Principal Software Engineer - Mission Sensors (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

Generous 401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to support mission sensors, weapons and IFF avionics systems. You will develop requirements, tests, and verification in an Agile team, translating complex needs into robust software solutions.

You will create and execute automated tests in Python, contribute to software integration, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure high-quality aerospace software products.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience
• Advanced degree holders with 5+ years of related experience are considered.

Responsibilities

• Support software engineering activities within an Agile development environment and translate requirements into software, tests and verification strategies
• Develop automated and semi-automated test scripts using Python to validate software functionality and system performance
• Update and maintain software products using Ada
• Verify software builds in integrated lab environments and support formal verification events for major program deliveries
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to refine system requirements and design solutions
• Present technical progress and status updates to Agile team members and engineering leadership
• Contribute to improving test development processes, tools, and best practices while maintaining compliance with company standards
• Navigate bids & pursuits, adhering to Collins Processes
• Mentor younger engineers through Software Engineering tasks as a SME

Skills

Agile development

Software requirements

Test automation with Python

Embedded software development

Mentoring others

System integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Python scripting

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

DOORS

PREP

TLBD

ALM

JIRA

Enterprise Architect

Job description

Date Posted

2026-11-12

Country

United States of America

Location

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-182 ~ 1100 Cimmie Ave Ne ~ BLDG 182

Position Role Type

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status

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.

Help ensure mission-critical avionics software performs flawlessly in the real world. As a Principal Software Engineer supporting mission sensors, weapons, and IFF (Identification Friendly or Foe) avionics systems, you’ll play a key role in primarily developing requirements, tests, verification, along with software development and software integration that support aerospace and defense applications. You’ll work within a highly collaborative Agile team, helping develop and translate requirements into robust software solutions and test strategies while supporting system integration and verification efforts. If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, improving engineering processes, and working across disciplines to deliver reliable systems, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What You Will Do

• You will support software engineering activities within an Agile development environment, helping develop and translate system and software requirements into effective software, test and verification strategies.


• You will develop automated and semi-automated test scripts using Python to validate software functionality and system performance.


• You will update and maintain our Software products using Ada.


• You will verify software builds in integrated lab environments and support formal verification events for major program deliveries.


• You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to refine system requirements and design solutions that meet customer needs.


• You will present technical progress and status updates to Agile team members and engineering leadership.


• You will contribute to improving test development processes, tools, and best practices while maintaining compliance with company standards.


• You will help navigate through the bids & pursuits, adhering to Collins Processes.


• Mentor younger engineers through Software Engineering tasks as a SME.

What You Will Learn

• You will gain experience integrating Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) software supporting mission sensor and weapons avionics systems.


• You will deepen your expertise across multiple phases of the aerospace systems lifecycle within a collaborative Agile environment.


• You will strengthen your software engineering skills by supporting complex software development, verification and integration efforts.


• If desired, you may have the ability to grow into Product Owner, Scrum Master, and/or Cost Account Manager type roles.

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.


• Experience working within Agile development teams.


• Experience developing software requirements.


• Experience with test automation using Python.


• Familiarity with Embedded Software Development


• Experience with leading and mentoring others


• Experience with engineering tools such as DOORS, PREP, TLBD, ALM, JIRA, Enterprise Architect, or similar.


• Hands‑on experience in systems and software integration including experience with design, development, and testing of customer hardware and software systems & systems of systems of high complexity.


• Experience interacting with development teams to resolve discrepancies and issues.


• Experience with systems integration, test execution, and test results documentation.


• Experience problem solving and debugging.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience (military or civil aircraft) in avionics systems.


• Avionics integration and lab test experience.


• Embedded software integration experience.


• Working knowledge / understanding of data busses and protocols (Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553B, and ARINC-429).


• Experience with Software development in Ada (heavy focus of this role).

What We Offer

Benefits:

• 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 illnessinsurance, 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!

This role is eligible for relocation.

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.

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.

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.

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.

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.