Principal Embedded Avionics Software Architect

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

401(k) plan with employer matching

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, seeks a Principal Software Engineer to lead embedded platform software for safety‑critical avionics applications. You will drive architecture, certification, and sustainment for both legacy and NextGen programs, guiding a diverse team of engineers.

You will collaborate with hardware and SoC design teams, ensure DO‑178 compliance, and communicate progress and risks clearly across disciplines.

Qualifications

• You must have a STEM degree or higher with extensive experience; minimum 8 years relevant experience, or an advanced degree with at least 5 years; without a degree, 12 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in Embedded C and platform‑level software development, with a strong background in networking.
• Experience with RTOS platforms such as VxWorks, LynxOS or similar RTOS and their use in safety‑critical avionics systems.
• Experience with avionics regulatory and certification requirements; demonstrated ability to lead a team through the full software development cycle; strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of embedded platform software for legacy and NextGen programs.
• Provide technical direction during pursuit, bidding, planning, execution, and sustainment phases.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and SoC/MPSoC design teams to define hardware–software interfaces and drive architecture decisions.
• Ensure consistency with Collins Aerospace engineering processes.
• Define development plans, ensure DO-178 and other certification compliance, and lead certification audits.
• Guide teams of entry‑level to senior engineers and communicate progress, risks, and opportunities clearly.

Job description

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, seeks a Principal Software Engineer to lead embedded platform software for safety‑critical avionics applications. You will drive architecture, certification, and sustainment for both legacy and NextGen programs, guiding a diverse team of engineers.

You will collaborate with hardware and SoC design teams, ensure DO‑178 compliance, and communicate progress and risks clearly across disciplines.