Principal Embedded Software Engineer

RTX (Raytheon); Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX (Raytheon) in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking experienced Software Engineers to join the Resilient Connectivity Products team, focusing on embedded systems, cybersecurity, and communications capabilities for defense applications.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with embedded software development, object-oriented design, and security-focused coding. This onsite role offers work on cutting-edge aerospace technologies and opportunities to contribute to mission-critical systems.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM and 8+ years of experience, or an advanced degree with 6+ years.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. government security clearance.
• Experience developing embedded software using object-oriented design.

Responsibilities

• Support cyber security technology RD and development projects.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to integrate cybersecurity capabilities.
• Assist with demonstrations, testing, and government-sponsored R&D activities.
• Engage with stakeholders across Collins and customers to support goals.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded software

Python

Cybersecurity

Datalinks

SoC hardware

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-12

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

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: TS/SCI

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

Job Description

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. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Join a fast-growing software development team focused on creating new and innovative technologies to ensure the security of connected cyber physical systems.

We are seeking experienced Software Engineers with expertise in embedded systems, communications products, signal processing, or cybersecurity to join our Resilient Connectivity Products team. In this role, you'll lead cutting-edge cybersecurity research, develop innovative solutions for next-generation connected platforms, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve some of the industry's most complex technical challenges.

Our mission is to provide new, cutting-edge technologies to warfighters at the speed of relevance. The ideal candidate excels at navigating open-ended problems by rapidly prototyping and iterating upon solutions. We prefer candidates with one or more of the following skillsets: real-time embedded software, datalinks, waveforms, signal processing, or cybersecurity. Relevant cybersecurity skills may include knowledge of secure software development, vulnerability analysis, threat modeling, and cyber systems. You will work with cross-functional engineering teams to develop, integrate, and test cybersecurity and communications solutions that protect critical aerospace and defense platforms while helping advance new technologies and capabilities.

Job Responsibilities

• Support research and development projects focused on cyber security technologies.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to develop, integrate, and evaluate cybersecurity technologies.
• Support technology demonstrations and testing to evaluate new cybersecurity solutions and capabilities.
• Assist with technical proposal preparation and government-sponsored research and development activities.
• Collaborate with technology stakeholders across Collins and with customers to support project goals and objectives.

Travel up to 10% of the time.

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 6 years of prior or relevant 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 developing embedded software using object-oriented design.
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software, communications, cybersecurity, or a related engineering discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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)
• Experience integrating/deploying software to system on a chip (SoC) hardware solutions
• C/C++ and Python experience
• Experience designing, developing, or securing software applications using modern software development practices
• Exposure to working on or developing modern software development pipelines.

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 insu