Principal Network Systems Engineer- Active Secret (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Principal Network Systems Engineer to lead integration, testing, and field demonstrations for mission‑critical systems in government networks. You will act as a technical leader during customer engagements, onsite events, and multi‑domain integrations, ensuring success in secure environments.

The role requires a STEM degree with extensive Mission Systems experience, active secret clearance, U.S. citizenship, and readiness to travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• Typical requirement of a STEM degree with 8+ years of experience, or an advanced degree with 5+ years.
• Active, transferable U.S. government secret clearance required before start.
• U.S. citizenship required for security clearance eligibility.
• Extensive experience in Mission Systems, aerospace/defense, or military system integration.
• Experience across multiple security domains and handling classified information.

Responsibilities

• Lead system network integration, configuration, and demonstrations for Mission Systems across air, ground, maritime, or multi-domain apps.
• Plan and execute field demonstrations, platform integrations, and customer events at various security levels.
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues spanning networking, hardware interfaces, embedded software, and communications.
• Develop integration plans, demonstration objectives, configurations, and post-event reports for military programs.
• Ensure adherence to security policies for handling classified material, secure labs, and field operations.
• Mentor junior and mid-level integration engineers, promoting disciplined practices.
• Represent Collins Aerospace in high-visibility events requiring technical leadership and communication.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% to customer sites, test ranges, and field demos.

Skills

Mission Systems experience

Security clearance

Cross-domain integration

Mentor engineers

Strong communication

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Secure lab operations

Job description

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-121 ~ 350 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 121

Date Posted: 2026-08-13 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-121 ~ 350 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 121 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: Secret - Current Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on 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. Applied Research & Technology (ART) is seeking an experienced Principal Network Systems Engineer with a background in government networks and data flows to lead the integration, testing, and field demonstration of advanced mission‑critical systems for military customers. In this role, you will serve as a key technical leader during customer engagements, onsite field events, and complex multi‑domain integration activities. The ideal candidate brings deep experience operating in secure environments and excels in fast‑paced, hands‑on operational settings where real‑world performance and mission success are paramount. As a key member of the JADC2 Experimentation, Demonstration & Integration (JEDI) Team, you’llhelp customers envision the future battlespace through demonstrations and experimentation that create demand and drive early advantage for Connected Battlespace implementation. You’llwork at the forefront of emerging technologyto:

What You Will Do:

• Lead system network integration, configuration, and demonstration activities for Mission Systems products across air, ground, maritime, or multi‑domain applications.
• Plan and execute field demonstrations, platform integrations, and customer events at various security levels (e.g., Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified, Secret, and above as required).
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues spanning networking configurations, hardware interfaces, embedded software, communications systems, and mission‑system components.
• Develop integration plans, demonstration objectives, configuration documentation, and post‑event technical reports suitable for military programs and security‑controlled environments.
• Ensure adherence to security policies related to handling classified material, secure labs, and secure field operations.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level integration engineers, promoting disciplined integration practices aligned with team standards.
• Represent Collins Aerospace in high‑visibility mission‑effectiveness events, capability demonstrations, and customer engagements requiring technical leadership and professional communication.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%, including to customer sites, test ranges, and field demonstration locations.

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
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued secret security clearance is required prior to start date
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Extensive experience in Mission Systems, aerospace, defense, or military‑relevant system integration roles.
• Demonstrated experience working across multiple security domains and adhering to classified information handling, security, and safeguarding procedures.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to brief military customers and translate complex technical concepts.
• Demonstrated success leading integration and demonstration activities for military systems or in secure operational environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across embedded systems, hardware interfaces, networking, and secure communications technologies.
• Experience supporting military platform integration (airborne, ground, maritime, or C2 systems).
• Familiarity with secure lab operations, classified networks, and cross‑domain solutions.
• Background in systems engineering, real‑time embedded software, mission networking, or advanced avionics architectures.
• Prior experience delivering high‑visibility capability demonstrations to military customers or senior stakeholders.

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 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!

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.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other – propel us all higher, again and again.

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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