Principal Software Engineer - Advanced Simulation & Training Systems (Onsite)

RTX (Raytheon); Sterling, Davis (VA, WV); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for Advanced Simulation & Training Systems in Sterling, VA. The role focuses on designing and implementing multi-platform training device software within a classified lab environment, requiring U.S. citizenship and an active clearance.

You will lead agile teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive technical decisions, with frequent on-site work and opportunities to contribute to program leadership and bidding activities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with 5–8+ years of experience or an advanced degree with 5+ years.
• Active and transferable U.S. government security clearance required before start.
• Experience with C++ and agile software development practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test software on cross-functional agile teams.
• Lead and mentor peers, drive technical decisions, and ensure quality across modules.
• Perform multi-threaded debugging and contribute to requirements capture.

Skills

C++

Agile

Software design

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Visual Studio

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-12

Country: United States of America

Location: US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS

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

Principal Software Engineer - Advanced Simulation & Training Systems (Onsite)

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.

Role Description

We are searching for a Principal Software Engineer to join our team in Sterling VA within the Strategic Defense Solutions (SDS) business area. Our teams develop and build highly realistic simulators and training systems for both military and commercial customers. We deliver highly specialized training for some of the most demanding jobs in aviation. Devices range in complexity from desktop training all the way to high fidelity weapon system and full-flight training systems including full visual motion and simulator interoperability.

In this position, you will become a technical subject matter expert for the design, implementation, and testing of complex multi-platform training device software and their associated user interfaces. This position requires a highly skilled individual who can step onto a team and quickly come up to speed on complex systems, who is also comfortable dealing with customers and program leadership. We are seeking a candidate who thrives in a team-oriented environment, demonstrates leadership qualities, and is passionate about mentoring peers and advancing technical excellence. Candidates with agile development experience and the desire to grow into agile leadership roles are strongly encouraged to apply! This position requires an active US security clearance. Most aspects of the job is done in a classified lab environment and requires a daily onsite presence.

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, integrate, and test software on cross-functional agile teams to deliver solutions within budget, scope, and schedule constraints
• Exhibit ownership of and accountability for committed objectives
• Assist in analysis and decomposition of features
• Make and influence decisions which impact cost, schedule, and technical performance at a program level
• Highly motivated software development focal who is able to drive strong technical solutions and decision making
• Perform multi-threaded software debugging
• Work independently with limited supervision
• Mentor early-career engineering peers to advance their ability to contribute to team objectives
• Demonstrate leadership qualities in your everyday work - Be a positive focal for your team, recognize peers' accomplishments, and help onboard junior team members.
• Perform and lead bidding and proposal activities to support the acquisition of new business
• Contribute to software and systems engineering requirements capture and analysis
• Travel to domestic and international customer sites to support training events and product installations

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 security clearance is required prior to start date
• U.S. citizenship only (dual citizenship not permitted) is required, as access to information under this program/contract is restricted to individuals with sole U.S. citizenship.
• Must have previous experience working with C++.
• Have experience with agile development practices and general software engineering design principles

Qualifications We Prefer

• Prior experience with training simulations
• Familiarity with common training and avionics protocols (ARINC 429, ARINC 610, MIL-STD-1553, etc.)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Familiarity with Windows and Linux development environments
• Candidate exhibits leader-like qualities and has a willingness to share their knowledge and build up their peers
• Experience using Visual Studio
• Familiar