Principal Software Engineer, Onsite

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) plan

Job summary

Collins Aerospace Mission Systems is seeking a Principal Software Engineer. The role focuses on secure communications, software-defined radios, networking, and cryptographic systems to support real-time missions.

You will lead embedded software development across complex architectures, drive requirements, design, test, and certification, and collaborate with top engineers to deliver critical solutions for pilots and soldiers worldwide.

Qualifications

• Experience across the full software development lifecycle including requirements, design, implementation, testing and deployment.
• Agile development and Product Owner responsibilities with backlog prioritization and stakeholder collaboration.
• Experience with proposals, bids, cost estimates and schedules.
• Ability to obtain a US government-issued security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Architect embedded software and communication products.
• Lead multi-threaded embedded software in C, C++, Rust.
• Manage cost, schedule, and performance using EVM principles.
• Act as Agile Product Owner and define the product backlog.
• Contribute to proposals, scoping, and technical documentation.

Skills

Software lifecycle

Agile PO

Requirements gathering

Backlog prioritization

Earned Value Management

Security clearance

Leadership

C/C++/Rust

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Git

Cost accounting

EVM

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-01

Country: United States of America

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

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

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.

At Collins Aerospace, we don’t just build technology—we engineer mission success. Our Communication Systems teams are on the front lines of innovation, designing and delivering cutting-edge embedded communication solutions that keep military forces around the world safe, connected, and informed—no matter the environment.

We’re looking for a Principal Software Engineer who’s ready to make an impact. In this role, you won’t just write code, you’ll help shape the future of secure communications. From software-defined radios and advanced networking to state-of-the-art cryptographic systems, your work will drive critical real-time communications that enable pilots and soldiers to securely share voice, video, and data when it matters most.

Here, you’ll collaborate with top-tier engineers and industry experts, leveraging advanced technologies to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you're building trusted systems or breaking ground on new innovations, your contributions will directly support mission-critical operations across the globe.

If you're passionate about solving complex challenges, excited by the idea of working on systems that truly matter and driven to grow alongside some of the brightest minds in the field—we want you on our team.

Join Collins Aerospace Mission Systems and help us connect the battlespace of tomorrow!

What You Will Do

• YOU will architect cutting-edge embedded software and communication products.
• YOU will lead large efforts in complex, multi-threaded embedded software in C, C++, and Rust.
• YOU will drive project success by serving as an expert in requirements, implementation, test development, and certification.
• YOU will lead initiatives and teams, ensuring alignment with program goals and customer requirements.
• YOU will manage cost, schedule, and technical performance, applying Earned Value Management (EVM) principles to monitor and report progress.
• YOU will serve as an Agile Product Owner, defining and prioritizing the product backlog, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs, and collaborating with development teams to deliver high-value solutions.
• YOU will contribute to the development of proposals and bids, including scoping, cost estimation, and technical documentation, to support business growth.
• YOU will develop and maintain detailed project schedules, identifying milestones, dependencies, and risks to ensure on-time delivery of program objectives.

What You Will Learn

• YOU will gain technical leadership experience and mentorship opportunities to develop talent for yourself and your peers.
• YOU will collaborate with experts in the software discipline, obtaining hands-on experience with new and innovative technologies.
• YOU will engage with a multidisciplinary team to develop a cross-functional skillset, including expertise in project management, Agile methodologies, and EVM practices.
• YOU will become a subject matter expert for our software domain, as well as in Agile Product Ownership, proposals and bids, and detailed schedule planning.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Proven experience in the full software development lifecycle, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Hands-on experience with Agile development methodologies and Product Owner responsibilities, including backlog prioritization and stakeholder collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience with proposals and bids, including creating technical solutions, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Willingness and ability to obtain a U.S. government-issued security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

• 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.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with Rust, C++ or C.
• 5 years of experience with embedded software development and multithreading in embedded systems.
• Experience with Cost Account Management, Earned Value Management (EVM), and Risk Management techniques to track and ensure project performance.
• Proficiency with Git or other version control systems.
• Knowledge of networking and communications protocols.
• Strong understanding of detailed schedule planning, including resource management and milestone tracking.

What We Offer

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• 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,additionallife and 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,childand elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• Eligible for relocation
• And more!

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specializedaircraftand spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team,you’llhave your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today whileanticipatingtheir needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) isappropriate foryour needs before applying to this role.

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,againand again.

#MISENG

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attendselect 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.

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