Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer (Onsite - Cedar Rapids, IA)

Collins Aerospace; 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 for new hires

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Collins Aerospace seeks a Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer to lead Secure SDLC activities across avionics products. You will drive security design, testing, and risk assessments for embedded systems, partnering with system and software teams to mitigate threats and ensure robust cybersecurity across programs.

The role requires active vigilance on security architectures, threat modeling, and hands-on security tool development, with relocation assistance available for Cedar Rapids

Qualifications

• 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.
• U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance eligibility.
• Experience in product cybersecurity, embedded software engineering, or secure system design.
• Embedded software engineering knowledge (Python and Java/C/C++).
• Experience analyzing systems and security architectures.

Responsibilities

• Be the security subject matter expert and lead for programs; work amongst system and software teams.
• Analyze systems to identify attack vectors and assess risks for new and existing products.
• Advise program leaders for inclusion of security technologies in strategic product roadmaps.
• Ensure proper implementation of security measures during product development.
• Develop, deploy and automate security tools and testing for identifying product security flaws.
• Characterize security vulnerability assessments and recommend mitigations for products.
• Guide adherence to military RMF processes and DO-326A/DO-356A Airworthiness Security process.
• Foster organizational adoption of the Avionics SSDLC.
• Evaluate & contribute to technical proposals and bids/pursuits.
• Mentor junior product security engineers advancing their skills and capabilities.
• Participate in cybersecurity focused industry committees and working groups.

Skills

Embedded software engineering

Python

Java/C/C++

Security architecture

RMF Knowledge

Education

STEM degree (Bachelor or higher)

Tools

None

Job description

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-107 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 107

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-107 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 107

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: 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. 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.

The Product Cybersecurity team is recruiting a Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer for leading all phases of the Secure System Development Life Cycle. Our team supports development of products throughout the company wherever customers have security requirements, or the system is exposed to cyber threats via connectivity or operational use. Our team works on many aspects of cybersecurity including security control trades, concept of operations, pursuits, requirements development, secure architecture and design, secure coding, security testing, certification support and in-service support within avionics. Candidates are expected to be fluent in the latest security technologies and trends while applying them to embedded systems. This role involves identifying cyber threats and associated risks to new and existing products, influencing architectural designs, ensuring proper security implementation during development, and focusing on testing strategies to verify mitigation of perceived risks.

This role will be worked onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA. and will require an active or ability to obtain a SECRET clearance. Relocation assistance is available.

• Be the security subject matter expert and lead for programs; work amongst system and software teams
• Analyze systems to identify attack vectors and assess risks for new and existing products
• Advising program leaders for inclusion of security technologies in strategic product roadmaps
• Ensure proper implementation of security measures during product development
• Develop, deploy and automate security tools and testing for identifying product security flaws
• Characterize security vulnerability assessments and recommend mitigations for products
• Guide adherence to military RMF processes and DO-326A/DO-356A Airworthiness Security process
• Foster organizational adoption of the Avionics SSDLC
• Evaluate & contribute to technical proposals and bids/pursuits
• Mentor junior product security engineers advancing their skills and capabilities
• Participate in cybersecurity focused industry committees and working groups

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
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
• Experience in product cybersecurity, embedded software engineering, or secure system design
• Embedded software engineering knowledge (Python and Java/C/C++)
• Experience analyzing systems and security architectures

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Active Secret clearance
• Reviewing system and application vulnerabilities, threat models, and providing mitigations
• Hands-on experience with static analysis and analyzing security impact of code defects
• Executing System & Application Fuzzing / Resiliency Tests
• Analysis experience of SELinux policies for proper process isolation/separation
• Data/network security implementations and understand hardening with Operating Systems
• Experience with system and application penetration testing
• Experience with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
• Experience with Military RMF process ando RTCA DO-326A / DO-356A
• Security certifications (Sec+, OSCP, CISSP, etc.)
• Networking knowledge (OSI Layers, protocols, etc.)
• Curiosity and desire to continuously learn security concepts; willingness to share your knowledge within the organization

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• 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 illnessinsurance, 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
• And more!

Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

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.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

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.

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.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.