Principal Cybersecurity Engineer (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 107,500 - 204,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous 401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Program

Life insurance and disability coverage

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Collins Aerospace seeks experienced Cyber Engineers for our Applied Research & Technology team in a hands-on, onsite role. You will lead cyber security research on embedded platforms, collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineers, and drive demonstrations with government partners.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in cybersecurity/embedded disciplines, a STEM degree (or advanced degree) and the ability to obtain DoD clearance as a U.S. citizen. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree and 8+ years of experience, or an advanced degree with 5+ years of experience.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a DoD clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
• Experience leading R&D projects from concept to demonstration.
• 5+ years in cybersecurity, embedded systems, or cyber-physical disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of cyber-physical security R&D projects.
• Guide teams of hardware, software, and systems engineers to develop and evaluate cyber security technologies.
• Deliver technology demonstrations and early customer engagement.
• Contribute to government-sponsored science and tech research proposals.
• Foster partnerships with stakeholders across Collins and customers.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Embedded systems

Cyber-physical systems

Security clearance

Project leadership

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

FPGA development

Job description

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166

Date Posted: 2026-07-06

Country: United States of America

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Top Secret

Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry.

We are seeking experienced Cyber Engineers with expertise in embedded systems and communications platforms to join our Applied Research & Technology team. In this role, you'll lead cutting‑edge cybersecurity research, develop innovative security solutions for next‑generation connected platforms, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve some of the industry's most complex technical challenges.

What You Will Do

• Lead the technical and strategic management of novel research and development projects in cyber physical security
• Participate in and lead multi‑disciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to develop, integrate, and evaluate new cyber security technologies
• Perform advanced technology demonstrations delivering early customer engagement, innovation, and business impact
• Participate in technical proposal preparation and the execution of government‑sponsored science and technology research
• Cultivate strong partnerships with technology stakeholders across Collins business and customers to ensure collaboration and strategic alignment
• Must be willing and able to travel 10% of the time

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Experience leading technical research and development projects from concept through technology demonstration
• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, embedded systems, cyber‑physical systems, or related engineering disciplines

Qualifications We Prefer

• Ability to communicate and present to all levels of the organization
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other mission‑critical industries
• Active U.S. Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance (SCI eligibility preferred)
• Hands‑on experience with FPGA development, embedded systems, or cyber‑physical platforms
• Experience designing, developing, or securing software applications using modern software development practices

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• Eligible for relocation assistance
• And more!

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.