Principal Software Engineer - Secure Communications

Collins Aerospace; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 107,500 - 204,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vacation

401(k) plan

Relocation assistance

Life insurance

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Fort Wayne, Indiana is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and verify secure embedded software. You will work on device management, reprogramming, key management and encryption algorithms, collaborating with hardware, FPGA, and software teams to deliver trusted military-grade products.

The role requires strong C++ or Rust skills, Python, and embedded Linux experience, plus a US security clearance and the ability to work onsite in Fort Wayne.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math with 8+ years experience, or an advanced degree with 5+ years.
• Active and transferable U.S. government security clearance is required before start.
• Experience with embedded security software or cryptographic applications is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of embedded cryptographic solutions and secure communications products.
• Architect secure, multi-threaded embedded C++ or Rust codebases and advance software architecture.
• Collaborate across teams to define requirements, oversee implementation, testing, and certification processes.
• Mentor engineers to improve technical skills and promote best practices for process improvement.
• Influence security and reliability of critical communications systems and guide future innovations.

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++/Rust

Multi-threaded software

Software lifecycle

Agile methodologies

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Linux

Python

Git

Job description

Location:
US-IN-FT WAYNE-150A ~ 1010 Production Rd ~ BLDG 150A

Date Posted:
2026-07-20
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-IN-FT WAYNE-150A ~ 1010 Production Rd ~ BLDG 150A
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:
Secret - Current
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required on day 1
Job Description
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.
Our Crypto team in the Software Technologies directorate creates advanced embedded cryptographic capabilities for U.S. military communications products. We regularly work with the NSA to ensure our military communications are resilient and secure. Through cross-functional collaboration with hardware, FPGA, and software teams, our team ensures the seamless integration of our technology into military communication products.
As a Principal Software Engineer joining our team, you will play a key role in the design, development, integration, and verification of our secure embedded software. This includes features such as device management, reprogramming, key management and encryption algorithms. Proficiency in C++ or Rust, Python, and embedded Linux is crucial for rapid integration into our projects. While experience with secure systems, secure software development, or cryptographic applications is preferred, it is not required. The ideal candidate will consistently deliver superior results, ensuring project milestones are met while fostering a positive work environment. You should thrive in collaborative team settings, both in-person and through technology, and possess demonstrated expertise in integrating system hardware and software components.
This position is onsite in Fort Wayne Indiana.
Sign-on Bonus Eligible
What YOU will do:

• Champion Embedded Software Development and Integration: Lead design and develop advanced embedded cryptographic solutions and communication products, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Design Scalable Software Architectures: Architect the development of secure, multi-threaded embedded C++ or Rust codebases, advancing software architecture through innovative solutions.
• 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

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance - current, is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Embedded software development and integration experience with, C, C++, or Rust.
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 secure software and 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:
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, additional life 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, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• Eligible for relocation
• And more!

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.

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.

This 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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