Principal Software Engineer -Core Systems & Libraries (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement program

Three weeks of vacation

Job summary

Prattwhitney in Huntsville, AL is looking for a Principal Software Engineer specializing in Next-Generation Avionics. The role entails leading the design of core software components and overseeing software development and certification processes.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in aviation-related software architecture and a strong understanding of DO-178 compliance requirements. Benefits include comprehensive insurance, generous vacation time, and an employer-matching 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience or 5 years with an advanced degree.
• Experience in designing and developing software architecture in aerospace.
• Hands-on experience supporting DO-178 software development activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of core software components for avionics systems.
• Drive technical direction in safety-critical software execution.
• Manage software requirements and ensure compliance with DO-178 standards.

Skills

C++

DO-178 certification

Flight Management Systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics)

Tools

GIT

JIRA

VxWorks

Job description

Principal Software Engineer – Next‑Generation Avionics

Location: Huntsville, AL (Onsite)
Security Clearance: None required
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required to access information under this program/contract

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.
• Travel as required (domestic and international <10%).

What You Will Learn

• Hands‑on experience with emerging technologies shaping future avionics and aerospace systems.
• Full product lifecycle experience from requirements and design through verification and delivery of safety‑critical systems.
• Deep understanding of software certification (DO‑178) and how world‑class avionics products meet rigorous regulatory standards.
• Designing, scaling, and sustaining software product lines that support a wide range of platforms and global customers.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with a minimum of 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 presentation 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: 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 – DALA preferred.
• Experience with design and development of Flight Management Systems, Software, Aircraft Applications or Middleware.
• Familiarity with revision control concepts and tools (e.g., GIT, Subversion, JIRA).

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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program and 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 and fertility and family planning support.
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand virtual doctor visits and second‑opinion program.
• Bright Horizons child and elder care services and Teladoc Medical Experts.