Principal Software Engineer - Core Services and Libraries (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation for newly hire

Generous 401(k) plan with matching

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance and disability coverage

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to shape the software foundation powering avionics. You will lead architecture, develop core components, and drive DO-178 certification activities across safety-critical systems.

You will collaborate across engineering and program leadership, own DO-178 artifacts (DAL-A), and travel as needed. This is a high-impact, onsite role shaping system-level design for civil and military certification.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM and 8+ years of relevant experience (or advanced degree with 5+ years).
• Experience designing software architecture and platform-level components in aerospace or safety-critical env.
• Proven ability to lead technical execution including customer engagement.
• Hands-on DO-178 software development and certification activity support.
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering and program teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling.
• Drive technical direction across development and verification for safety-critical software (DO-178).
• Define and manage software requirements, decomposition, and traceability.
• Develop and verify software using modern C++ and OO design.
• Own DO-178 certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables.
• Lead and support certification efforts with customers and regulators.
• Conduct peer reviews to ensure quality and compliance.
• Collaborate with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align solutions.
• Travel domestically/internationally <10%.

Skills

C++

DO-178

Software architecture

Leadership

Education

STEM degree (B.S./M.S.)

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

GIT

Subversion

JIRA

VxWorks

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-124 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 124

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

Design the Foundation of Next-Generation Avionics

Join the growing Collins Aerospace Core Systems and Libraries team and play a key role in shaping the software foundation that powers modern aircraft. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and driving high-impact solutions across safety-critical systems.

In this role, you will lead the architecture and development of core software components, libraries, and tools that enable scalable, certifiable avionics platforms. You’ll work across the full software lifecycle, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions aligned with civil and military certification standards.

This is a unique opportunity to influence system-level design, advance open architecture initiatives, and contribute to technologies that define the future of aerospace.

Location: Onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

What You Will Do

• Lead the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling aligned to avionics system requirements
• Drive technical direction and execution across development and verification activities for safety-critical software (DO-178)
• Define and manage software requirements, decomposition, and traceability across complex systems
• Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object-oriented design principles
• Own and produce DO-178 certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables
• Lead and support certification efforts, including engagement with customers and regulatory authorities
• Conduct and contribute to peer reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across the lifecycle
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align technical solutions with program objectives
• Willing and Able to travel as required (domestic and international <10%).

What You Will Learn

• Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of avionics and aerospace systems
• Build end-to-end expertise across the full product lifecycle, from requirements and design through verification and delivery of safety-critical systems
• Develop a deep understanding of software certification (DO-178) and how world-class avionics products meet rigorous regulatory standards
• Learn how to design, scale, and sustain software product lines that support a wide range of platforms and global customers

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 experience designing and developing software architecture, libraries, or platform-level components within an aerospace or safety-critical environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical execution of projects, including customer engagement and presenting to senior stakeholders
• Hands-on experience supporting DO-178 software development and certification activities (e.g., requirements, verification, or certification artifacts)
• Experience working across cross-functional engineering and program teams to deliver complex, integrated solutions

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with C++ and VxWorks.
• Experience writing High-Level and Low-Level Requirements.
• Experience writing Test Cases and Automated Test Procedures.
• Experience with Civil Certification DO-178 – DAL A preferred.
• Experience with design and development of Flight Management Systems, Software, Aircraft Applications or Middleware.
• Familiar with revision control concepts and tools (e.g. GIT, Subversion, JIRA).

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!

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.