Principal Hardware Task Lead - Air Traffic Systems (Hybrid)

Collins Aerospace; Marlborough (MA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work weeks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

PTO 3+ weeks

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is seeking a senior Hardware Lead to drive design, development, and deployment of COTS-based ATC hardware solutions. You will guide cross-functional teams, ensure performance, reliability, and security, and mentor junior engineers across the full hardware lifecycle.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive hardware engineering experience, and a track record of delivering complex defense/aerospace hardware in hybrid work settings. U.S.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Proven track record of leading hardware development projects from concept to production while managing budgets and driving schedule.
• Strong understanding of COTS hardware infrastructure design, including selection and testing of processors and networking equipment.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under these programs/contracts

Responsibilities

• Lead the hardware design and development efforts for COTS-based ATC programs, ensuring the highest levels of performance, reliability, and security.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Software, Systems, and Quality to deliver integrated solutions that meet customer requirements.
• Oversee the entire hardware development lifecycle, from concept through production and deployment, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Oversee rigorous testing and validation of hardware components to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.
• Interface with Program Management, hardware engineers, and stakeholders to gather requirements, provide technical updates, and ensure satisfaction with delivered products.

Skills

Hardware leadership

COTS hardware design

Program management

Effective communication

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

EVMS

Job description

Date Posted

2026-10-12

Country

United States of America

Location

US-MA-MARLBOROUGH-MA3 ~ 1001 Boston Post Rd ~ BLDG 3

Position Role Type

Hybrid

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

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status

Not Required

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, a leader in the aerospace and defense industry, is seeking an experienced and motivated Hardware Lead to join our Air Traffic Systems (ATS) team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the design, development, and implementation of next generation Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Weather Data Reporting systems, as well as support to existing fielded systems. This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of hardware engineering principles, as well as extensive experience working with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom hardware designs to achieve system requirements.

What You Will Do

• Lead the hardware design and development efforts for COTS-based ATC programs, ensuring the highest levels of performance, reliability, and security
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Software, Systems, and Quality to deliver integrated solutions that meet customer requirements
• Oversee the entire hardware development lifecycle, from concept through production and deployment, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence
• Oversee rigorous testing and validation of hardware components to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications
• Interface with Program Management, hardware engineers, and stakeholders to gather requirements, provide technical updates, and ensure satisfaction with delivered products

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
• Proven track record of leading hardware development projects from concept to production while managing budgets and driving schedule
• Strong understanding of COTS hardware infrastructure design, including selection and testing of processors and networking equipment
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under these programs/contracts

Qualifications We Prefer

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex hardware issues
• Experience with the Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles and practices on externally reported programs including: Estimates at Complete (EACs) and Latest Revised Estimates (LRE), cost and schedule variance narratives, baseline change requests, etc.
• Experience developing a complete COTS-based hardware design and then verifying the design via integration with test plans and formal testing activities
• Knowledge of environmental testing and qualification processes
• Previous experience working in a defense or aerospace company
• Experience with proposal estimation and Basis of Estimate (BOE) writing
• Experience documenting and implementing improvements for hardware design processes

What We Offer

• Flexible work weeks: 9/80A, 5/40; Flexible work Hours: Core hours, Modified time
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of PTO 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:

Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.

Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time.

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.

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.

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.

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