Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Platform and Foundation (Onsite)

RTX (Raytheon); Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

Generous 401(k) with matching

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment

Life insurance and disability

Additional insurance options

Parental leave

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, seeks a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development, certification, and sustainment of embedded platform software for safety-critical avionics. You will guide a team of engineers, shaping software solutions for both legacy and NextGen programs, while ensuring compliance with strict industry standards.

You will partner with hardware and systems teams to define interfaces, drive architecture, and mentor engineers across experience levels, delivering

Qualifications

• STEM degree required, or equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, or 5+ with advanced degree.
• Experience with safety-critical avionics software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, and implementation of embedded platform software for legacy and NextGen programs.
• Provide technical leadership for platform software across pursuit, planning, execution, and sustainment.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and SoC/MPSoC teams to define hardware-software interfaces and drive architecture.
• Ensure adherence to Collins Aerospace engineering processes and DO-178 certification requirements.
• Define development plans and lead certification efforts through audits.
• Lead a diverse team of engineers from entry to senior levels and communicate progress clearly.

Skills

Embedded C

RTOS (VxWorks/LynxOS)

Networking

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Job description

Date Posted:
2026-10-07

Country:
United States of America

Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-131 ~ 5450 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 131

Position Role Type:
Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The company will offer immigration sponsorship for this position, if needed. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role.

Security Clearance Type:
None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:
Not Required

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.

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for Avionics? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your technical expertise can make a real difference? At Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, we’re looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join our platform software team. You’ll be leading the development, certification, and sustainment of platform software for safety‑critical commercial and military applications.

In this role, you’ll guide a team of talented engineers, ensuring our solutions meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Joining our team means becoming part of a company that values integrity, innovation, and excellence. You’ll have the opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technologies and be at the forefront of Avionics Platform solutions.

What You Will Do

• Lead Projects: Drive the architecture, design, and implementation of embedded platform software supporting both existing legacy systems and NextGen programs.
• Provide technical leadership for Platform Software, supplying technical direction during all program phases including pursuit, bidding, planning, execution, and sustainment.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and SoC/MPSoC design teams to define hardware‑software interfaces and drive architectural decisions
• Ensure Consistency: You will ensure consistency with Collins Aerospace technical engineering processes.
• Define Development Plans: You will help define development plans, ensure compliance with DO-178 and other certification requirements, and lead certification efforts through audits.
• Guide Teams: You will lead a wide range of entry‑level to highly experienced engineers.
• Communicate Effectively: You will communicate technical progress, risks, opportunities, financial data, and other project management information clearly and concisely.

What You Will Learn

• Certification Processes: You will gain in-depth knowledge of Avionics regulatory and certification requirements and processes.
• Technical Expertise: You will enhance your technical skills in processing platforms and associated technologies.
• Leadership Skills: You will develop your ability to lead and manage software development teams, making impactful decisions and solving complex problems.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) unless prohibited by local laws/regulations and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience or in absence of a degree, 12 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in Embedded C and platform level software development, with a strong background in networking.
• Prior Experience with RTOS platforms such as VxWorks, LynxOS or similar RTOS and an understanding of their application in safety‑critical avionics systems.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with Avionics regulatory and certification requirements and processes is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team through the full software development cycle in a regulated industry, preferably with experience in avionics software projects.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on software solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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