Principal Software Engineer (Cybersecurity | Networking)

Collins Aerospace; Maryland; On-site; USD 118,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

3 weeks vacation

401(k) with match

Job summary

Applied Signal Technology (AST) is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for an onsite role in Annapolis Junction, MD. You will join a cybersecurity-focused team developing high-assurance software and systems for national security applications.

The role requires a STEM degree, 8+ years in software, and an active TS/SCI clearance. Expect collaboration with engineers, frequent design reviews, and travel up to 25% domestically.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and 8+ years of experience
• 8+ years of experience in C, C++, Python and/or Rust
• Experience with system-level integration and testing of complex software
• Experience developing, testing, and debugging complex algorithms
• Experience with APIs, networking and backend development
• Experience with cybersecurity tools and/or controls
• Active TS/SCI clearance and U.S. citizenship required

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on system development and deployments for national security
• Design, code, test, and document software solutions
• Participate in software component reviews and internal testing
• Prepare briefings and present material to team and customers
• Coordinate with project managers and engineering teams
• Maintain configuration management of software products
• Travel up to 25% domestically

Skills

C

C++

Python

Rust

APIs

Networking

Backend development

Cybersecurity tooling

Communication

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Linux

Job description

Date Posted:

2026-10-30

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-MD-ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION-339 ~ 306 Sentinel Dr ~ 339 BLDG

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:

TS/SCI - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Raytheon Company Managed by Collins Aerospace

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.

Applied Signal Technology (AST) is seeking a Principal Software Engineer with a strong background in cybersecurity and networking who strives for excellence and have a passion to be part of a team that strengthens our nation and improves the security of our world. AST provides trusted strategic and tactical SIGINT solutions that secure the interests of the U.S. and its partners. AST’s work in areas such as high-capacity broadband communications, signal processing and analysis, tactical SIGINT, and wireless communications continually challenges our extraordinary engineers to resolve problems and make the world a safer place. AST’s work environment is dynamic, highly collaborative and provides engineers the freedom to strengthen and expand their skills, explore new and creative ideas, and work closely with our nation’s finest service members all while embracing integrity, innovation and work-life balance.

This is an ONSITE position located at our Annapolis Junction, MD location. To find out more about AST please, click the link below:

Applied Signal Technology: WHO WE ARE

What You Will Do:

• You will work with other experienced members in R&D on system development and deployments for the protection of our country
• Participate in the requirements, design, development and testing of software to include development of new work products or enhancement of existing applications and systems
• Design, code, test, integrate, and document software solutions
• Participate in internal review of software components and systems
• Generate briefings and present material to team members, customers, and AST management as necessary
• Collaborate with project managers and other professionals within Engineering
• Follow established development practices and processes to maintain the configuration management of software products
• Travel up to 25% (domestic)

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience
• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of experience developing in C, C++, Python, and/or Rust
• Experience with system-level integration and testing, specifically, the integration of advanced, custom processing systems, testbeds, and software
• Experience developing, coding, testing, and debugging complex algorithms
• Experience working with customers, end users, hardware design teams, and software design teams
• Experience with developing software for APIs, networking, and backend
• Experience with creating proof-of-concept (PoC) use case scenarios and prototypes from initial ideas
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently yet collaboratively in a team environment
• Experience in implementing cybersecurity tools and/or controls
• Experience developing system level designs, high level control and data interfaces
• Active and transferrable U.S. government issued Top Secret SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance is required prior to start.
• U.S citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience developing in C/C++ within a Linux environment
• Experience with cybersecurity concepts such as red/blue teaming, defense-in-depth, and/or network penetration
• Experience with building networks and networking protocols
• Experience with reverse engineering software and/or hardware
• Experience with Design, Development, Integration and Test of complex Communication systems
• Experience in developing proof-of-concept (PoC) use case scenarios for novel cybersecurity systems
• Experience formalizing, developing and documenting requirements, plans, and procedures based on customer discussions, briefings, interactions, and statements of work
• Existing Top Secret with Full Scope Poly (Active within the last 24 months)

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 employerretirement 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 lifeand 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
• Eligible for relocation
• And More!

The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 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.

Privacy Policy and Terms

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms

Onsite:Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. Thisincludes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to thedevelopment of our products.

#AST

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.