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

Collins Aerospace; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 118,300 - 224,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement program

Life insurance and disability coverage

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join their team in Sterling, VA. This position focuses on the design, implementation, and testing of complex multi-platform training device software, requiring strong C++ skills and leadership.

The role involves mentoring engineers and contributing to software solutions in a classified lab environment, ensuring effective communication with stakeholders. The ideal candidate should possess an active security clearance and extensive experience in software engineering.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience or 5+ years with advanced degree.
• Active U.S. government security clearance (Secret) required.
• Prior experience with C++, agile development is needed.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test software with agile teams.
• Mentor early-career engineers and demonstrate leadership.
• Travel for training events and product installations.

Skills

C++

Agile development practices

Software engineering design principles

Leadership qualities

Excellent communication skills

Education

STEM degree (minimum 8 years experience or advanced degree with 5 years)

Tools

Visual Studio

Git

JIRA

Python

Job description

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

Position located in Sterling, VA, within the Strategic Defense Solutions (SDS) business area at Collins Aerospace, a division of RTX.

RTX is a leader in aerospace and defense, focused on delivering advanced simulators and training systems for military and commercial customers.

We are searching for an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our team and serve as a technical subject matter expert for the design, implementation, and testing of complex multi‑platform training device software and user interfaces. The role requires rapid assimilation of complex systems, customer interaction, and leadership in a classified lab environment with 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.
• Serve as a highly motivated software development focal point, driving 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 everyday work, recognize peers’ accomplishments, and help onboard junior team members.
• Conduct and lead bidding and proposal activities to support 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.

Qualification You Must Have

• STEM degree with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Active and transferable U.S. government‑issued security clearance (Secret) required prior to start date; U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
• Prior experience working with C++.
• Experience with agile development practices and general software engineering design principles.

Qualification We Prefer

• Experience with training simulations.
• Familiarity with training and avionics protocols such as ARINC 429, ARINC 610, MIL‑STD‑1553, etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with Windows and Linux development environments.
• Leadership qualities and willingness to share knowledge.
• Experience using Visual Studio.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps and Agile development methodologies.
• Strong OOP and C++ language skills including STL and templates.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Perl, etc.).
• Experience with source code control tools (Git, SVN, ClearCase, etc.).
• Experience with ALM tools (JIRA, Confluence, Crucible).
• Experience with GitLab CI/CD within software development processes.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and a lifetime income strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student loan repayment program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages such as pet insurance, home and auto insurance, and additional life and accident insurance.
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.
• Health, fertility, and family planning support.
• Adoption assistance.
• Autism benefit.
• Employee assistance plan with up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Wellness incentives and rewards program.
• Virtual doctor visits and doctor on demand.
• Child and elder care services.
• Relocation assistance eligibility.

Salary range: $118,300 – $224,900 USD. The range reflects all experience levels and may vary based on location, education, and key skills.

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, and provides affirmative action for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with federal law.