Principal Engineer, Software Engineering

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Principal Engineer, Software Engineering to lead advanced avionics software development. The role involves designing, debugging, and integrating complex systems, coordinating tests, and ensuring DO-178C compliance.

Qualified candidates have a bachelor's or higher in software/engineering, 5–8+ years of experience, embedded C++, and a track record in avionics software verification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field plus 8+ years progressive software engineering experience.
• Master's degree or equivalent with 5+ years of experience acceptable in lieu of 8+ years.
• 5+ years of experience with DO-178C certification requirements and processes.
• 5+ years of experience with embedded C++ or platform software development.
• 5+ years of experience with integration/verification of avionics software or similar software systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and debug complex control and diagnostic software with logic and math.
• Collaborate across project teams on planning, design, and development of electronic data processing systems for product software.
• Design and implement build procedures to support hardware and software product development.
• Recommend changes in software components to improve engineering activities.
• Analyze user needs to resolve program intent, outputs and data acquisition.

Skills

Embedded C++

Avionics software

DO-178C

Software engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM fields

Master's degree acceptable

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-23

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105

Position Role Type: Unspecified

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Security Clearance Type:

Security Clearance Status: Not Required

Rockwell Collins Inc. d/b/a Collins Aerospace has an opening for a Principal Engineer, Software Engineering in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

What YOU will do

• Develop, coordinate and conduct complex tests and debug control and diagnostic systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions.
• Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with other project team members in the planning, design, development and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software to ensure smooth operations on software engineering activities.
• Design and implement build procedures that are used to support hardware and software product development and function.
• Recommend changes in the selection and application of software production components to improve and develop software engineering activities.
• Determine end-user needs by analyzing system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements and input data acquisition.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Must possess at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field and at least 8 years of progressive experience as a Software Engineer or related role. In the alternative, at least a master’s degree or its equivalent in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field and at least 5 years of experience as a Software Engineer or related role would be acceptable.
• Must possess at least 5 years of experience with certification requirements and processes, such as safety critical airborne software certified to DO-178C, or similar.
• Must possess at least 5 years of experience working with embedded C++ or platform software development.
• Must possess at least 5 years of experience with integration and/or verification of avionics software or similar software systems.
• Non-US Person - Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. The company will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role.

Avionics

Our Avionics team advances flight deck solutions, airborne communications, vision systems, sensors and fire protection for commercial and military customers around the world. That means we’re helping people reach their destination safely and keeping pilots, passengers, flight crews, airlines, airports and military personnel connected and informed. And we’re providing industry-leading fire protection and safety systems that our customers can count on when it matters most. Are you ready to learn from the most knowledgeable experts in the industry, develop the technologies of tomorrow and reach new heights in your career? Join our Avionics team today.

Onsite

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

The salary range is $135,803.00 to $204,500.00 USD per year. 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.

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.

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.

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.