Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Cybersecurity (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 107,500 - 204,500; 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 for newly hired employees

Employee Assistance Plan

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Cedar Rapids is seeking a Principal Software Engineer. You will lead the design and development of advanced embedded cryptographic capabilities for military communications, collaborating with teams to ensure security and reliability. Ideal candidates should have strong expertise in C++ and Python, alongside relevant engineering experience. Attractive benefits include medical coverage, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off. Salary range is $107,500 - $204,500.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience.
• Software development and integration experience on complex multi-threaded product software code bases.
• Experience with standard full lifecycle software development practices and configuration management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and evolution of a multi-threaded embedded C++ product codebase.
• Design and develop advanced embedded cryptographic solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define comprehensive requirements.

Skills

C++

Python

Embedded systems

Agile methodologies

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Linux

Job description

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

Date Posted: 2026-02-24

Security Clearance Required: U.S. citizenship required for secret clearance.

At the forefront of innovation, our Crypto team within the Secure Mission Solutions directorate is pioneering advanced embedded cryptographic capabilities for U.S. military communications products. By collaborating closely with the NSA, we ensure that our military communications are both secure and trustworthy.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a crucial role in leading the design, development, integration, and verification of our embedded encryption algorithms. Your expertise in C++, Python, and embedded Linux will enable you to drive impactful projects and mentor other engineers, shaping the next generation of secure communications technology.

While knowledge of secure systems, secure software development, or cryptographic applications is advantageous, it’s not a strict requirement. Experience in an Agile environment is also preferred.

What You Will Do

• Champion Software Development and Integration: Lead the architecture and evolution of a multi-threaded embedded C++ product codebase, setting the standard for innovation and excellence at the forefront of technology.
• Architect Cutting-Edge Embedded Solutions: Spearhead the design and development of advanced embedded cryptographic solutions and communications products, ensuring they align with long-term strategic goals and industry standards.
• Steer Project Success: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define comprehensive requirements, oversee software implementation, and drive test case development, verification test execution, and certification processes.
• Mentor and Inspire: Cultivate a high-performing engineering culture by mentoring and empowering software developers, enhancing technical expertise and promoting best practices for process improvement.
• Elevate Security and Reliability: Take a proactive role in shaping products that significantly enhance the security and reliability of critical communications systems, influencing best practices and guiding the direction of future innovations.

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.
• Software development and integration experience embedded C and C++ product software.
• Software development and integration experience on complex multi-threaded product software code bases.
• Experience with standard full lifecycle software development practices and configuration management tools.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Knowledge and experience in embedded security software development and integration.
• Comfortable working in a Linux development environment, with experience in mutexes, semaphores, queues, and inter-process communication.
• Exposure to crypto algorithms and their implementation.
• Ability to mentor engineers on software development skills and practices.
• Strong desire to collaborate in a team environment, with experience in Agile methodologies.
• Proven track record of meeting project milestones and driving process efficiency improvements.
• Experience leading teams and managing projects through the full software lifecycle.
• Proficiency in scripting languages like Python and experience with IP networking and networking protocols.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages such as 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 services
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, 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!

Salary and Benefits

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.

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 on 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.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

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