Principal Software Engineer - A2G GPU & Graphics Systems (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Three weeks vacation

401(k) plan with matching

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer with deep experience in GPU, graphics, and embedded real-time systems for the Next Generation A2G Graphics Driver software program. You will lead architecture, development, and verification of Khronos-based graphics APIs (OpenGL SC, Vulkan SC) and GPU driver stacks within the VxWorks RTOS.

You will guide architecture decisions, drive GPU driver development, optimize shader pipelines, coordinate DO-178 certification

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years of relevant experience or an Advanced Degree with minimum 5 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and design of graphics APIs (OpenGL SC, Vulkan SC) for VxWorks-based aerospace systems.
• Drive development of GPU drivers, memory systems, command pipelines, and rendering flows.
• Develop and optimize shaders (GLSL, SPIR-V) for deterministic real-time operation.
• Lead GPU subsystem integration exclusively within VxWorks environments.
• Resolve advanced hardware/software integration issues involving timing, startup sequencing, synchronization, and device configuration.
• Guide DO-178 certification activities and ensure compliance.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to deliver graphics, display, and compute capabilities.
• Recommend improvements to tools, processes, and engineering methodologies.
• Conduct system-level research and collaborate with hardware engineers on display architecture.
• Analyze system requirements and user needs to define software solutions.

Skills

C/C++

GPU architecture

Shader compilers

Real-time embedded systems

Safety-critical development

DO-178

BSP development

Multi-core systems

Hypervisors

Bootloader design

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

VxWorks

OpenGL SC

Vulkan SC

Job description

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

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

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: 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

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.

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer with deep experience in GPU, graphics, and embedded real-time systems for the Next Generation A2G Graphics Driver software development program. You will lead architecture, development, and verification of Khronos-based graphics APIs (OpenGL SC, Vulkan SC) and GPU driver stacks within the VxWorks RTOS. This role requires strong hardware/software systems knowledge, technical leadership, and experience delivering safety-critical aerospace software.

What You Will Do

• Lead architecture and design of graphics APIs (OpenGL SC, Vulkan SC) for VxWorks-based aerospace systems.
• Drive development of GPU drivers, memory systems, command pipelines, and rendering flows.
• Develop and optimize shaders (GLSL, SPIR-V) for deterministic real-time operation.
• Lead GPU subsystem integration exclusively within VxWorks environments.
• Resolve advanced hardware/software integration issues involving timing, startup sequencing, synchronization, and device configuration.
• Guide DO-178 certification activities and ensure compliance.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to deliver graphics, display, and compute capabilities.
• Recommend improvements to tools, processes, and engineering methodologies.
• Conduct system-level research and collaborate with hardware engineers on display architecture.
• Analyze system requirements and user needs to define software solutions.

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

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience implementing OpenGL SC, Vulkan SC, or extensions on VxWorks platforms.
• Deep knowledge of GPU architecture, shader compilers, multi-core systems, hypervisors, and BSP development.
• Experience with bootloader design and embedded startup flows.
• Strong C/C++ and safety-critical development experience.
• Expertise in DO-178 compliant development flows.

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
• Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building
• 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!

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.

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.