Principal Software Engineer - Datalink Safety Routers and Applications (ONSITE)

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

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, seeks a Principal Software Engineer to lead safety-critical avionics software development and DO-178B/C certification activities. You will design, implement, and verify real-time embedded software primarily in C/C++, shaping architecture and requirements across diverse teams.

You will mentor engineers, drive best practices, and collaborate with systems, hardware, verification, and certification groups to deliver compliant aviation solutions.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong experience developing safety‑critical avionics software across DO-178B/C DAL A/C/D systems.
• Strong embedded software development experience using C and C++.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for design, development, integration, verification and certification of safety-critical embedded avionics software.
• Design, develop, integrate and test real-time embedded software, primarily using C/C++, to meet requirements.
• Lead software requirements, design and code reviews and coordinate across Systems, Hardware, Software, Verification and Certification teams.
• Mentor software engineers and drive engineering best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

C/C++ Development

Embedded Software

Safety-Critical DO-178B/C

System Integration

Technical Leadership

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

RTOS

Python scripting

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-14 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-131 ~ 5450 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 131 Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The company will offer immigration sponsorship for this position, if needed. Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required.

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.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for a Principal Software Engineer role within our Datalink Safety Routers and Applications team. The team develops airborne safety router software and Air Traffic Control (ATC) applications supporting safety-critical air/ground communications, as well as Signal Processor (SigP) avionics software supporting aircraft data concentration and audio management functions. You will work across a diverse portfolio of safety-critical avionics products and platforms supporting DO-178B/C DAL A/C/D software and the full software development lifecycle. This is an onsite position in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

What You Will Do

• Provide technical leadership for the design, development, integration, verification, and certification of safety-critical embedded avionics software.
• Design, develop, integrate, test, and support real‑time embedded software, primarily using C and C++, to meet technical, certification, program, and customer requirements.
• Develop software architecture, detailed designs, and software based on system and software requirements.
• Lead resolution of complex software and system-level technical issues, including root cause investigation and corrective actions.
• Lead and participate in software requirements, design, and code reviews.
• Collaborate across Systems, Hardware, Software, Verification, and Certification teams to support hardware/software and system-level integration.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to software engineers and drive engineering best practices.
• Support DO-178B/C certification activities and technical interactions throughout the certification lifecycle.
• Collaborate with internal organizations and external customers to understand technical needs, resolve issues, and develop solutions.

What You Will Learn

• Gain broad technical exposure to Collins Aerospace Datalink safety routers and Air Traffic Control applications.
• Develop deeper knowledge of aircraft communication architectures, air/ground messaging, and Datalink protocols.
• Expand your understanding of how safety‑critical avionics products integrate with aircraft systems such as FMS, MCDU, EICAS, ACMS.
• Gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of Commercial, Business & Regional, and Military avionics platforms and customers.
• Expand your technical leadership experience across complex avionics programs, products, and certification efforts.

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.
• Strong experience developing safety‑critical avionics software across DO-178B/C DAL A/C/D systems.
• Strong embedded software development experience using C and C++.
• Strong experience across the software development lifecycle, including requirements, architecture/design, coding, integration, verification, and certification.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical efforts and drive technical issues to resolution while working across engineering disciplines and organizations.
• Experience with hardware/software and system‑level integration.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with air/ground messaging and Datalink protocols, including ARINC 429, ARINC 618, VDL Mode 2, TCP/IP, and ATN OSI.
• Knowledge of aircraft systems such as CMU, RIU, EICAS, MCDU, FMS, and ACMS and their functions within the aircraft.
• Experience with avionics data concentration, audio management, or Signal Processor software.
• Experience with Real‑Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and network protocols.
• Python and software automation/scripting experience.
• Experience supporting DO‑178B/C certification activities and SOI audits.
• Experience with software verification activities including data/control coupling, low-level testing, and hardware/software integration testing.
• Experience working directly with airframe, airline, regulatory, or other external customers.
• Experience leading technical decisions across multiple programs or product lines.

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 illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building
• 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!

Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and military, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time.

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.

Onsite

• Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world - and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other– propel us all higher, again and again.