Principal Software Engineer -Core Systems & Libraries (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

401(k) plan with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance and disability coverage

Job summary

Prattwhitney in Cedar Rapids is looking for a Principal Software Engineer to design innovative avionics software and ensure compliance with safety standards. This role requires leading technical execution, leveraging extensive experience in software architecture, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree in STEM and at least 8 years of relevant experience, particularly in safety-critical software development. Benefits include generous health insurance, vacation, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 8 years of relevant experience or 5 years with an advanced degree.
• Experience in aerospace or safety-critical software environments.
• Ability to lead technical execution and customer engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of avionics software components.
• Manage software requirements and ensure compliance with standards.
• Support DO-178 certification efforts and produce necessary artifacts.

Skills

C++

DO-178 certification

Software architecture design

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

VxWorks

Git

Jira

Job description

Design the Foundation of Next‑Generation Avionics

Position: Principal Software Engineer. Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Onsite). Citizenship: U.S. Citizen required. Security Clearance: None / Not Required.

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

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

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience; or an advanced degree and minimum 5 years of experience.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 the design and development of Flight Management Systems, software, aircraft applications, or middleware.
• Familiarity 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 with employer matching 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: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits, Ovia Health, fertility and family planning, and adoption assistance.
• Employee assistance plan with 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.