Principal Software Engineer - Tactical Communications (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Vacation days

401(k) plan with match

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

RTX is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design and develop embedded software and secure communications systems, collaborating with top engineers on real-time, mission-critical solutions.

The role emphasizes leadership across the full SDLC, mentoring teams and guiding large initiatives while delivering high-assurance software for defense applications.

Qualifications

• Experience leading efforts across the full software development lifecycle.
• U.S. citizenship for security clearance eligibility.
• Experience with embedded software development and communications software.
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded software, networking and communications products.
• Plan and contribute to requirements, implementation, test development, and certification.
• Mentor software developers and lead large initiatives.

Skills

C/C++

Rust

Python

Embedded software

Networking

Leadership

Software life-cycle

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Git

Linux development

Containerization

Job description

About the Company

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.

Principal Software Engineer – Overview

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 and open system platform software, 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.

What You Will Do

• Design and develop cutting‑edge embedded software, networking and communication products in C/C++ and Rust.
• Drive project success by planning and directly contributing to requirements, implementation, test development, and certification.
• Develop innovative tools and automated testing infrastructures that support Continuous Integration and Continuous Development processes.
• Mentor and guide software developers on technical and process challenges.
• Lead large initiatives and organize tasks for team members, ensuring timely delivery.
• Impact our business and our customers: supporting cost, schedule, and technical performance.

What You Will Learn

• Gain technical leadership experience and mentorship opportunities to develop talent for yourself and others.
• Collaborate with fellow subject matter experts and industry specialists, obtaining hands‑on experience with new and innovative technologies.
• Engage with a multidisciplinary team to develop a cross‑functional skillset.
• Grow into a subject matter expert on your projects and programs.

Qualifications – You Must Have

• Experience in leading efforts across the full software development lifecycle.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
• Experience with software for communications or similar products.
• Experience with embedded software development.
• Experience with Python, C/C++, and/or Rust.
• 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

• Active U.S. Department of Defense Clearance.
• Proficient with Linux development environments.
• Proficient with Git and other version control systems.
• Knowledgeable in networking and communications protocols.
• Experience with Rust programming language.
• Experience with multithreading and containerization.
• Experience with communications systems or software‑defined radios.
• Experience developing open systems architecture and microservices for containerized environments.
• Experience applying patterns, data structures, and algorithms to solve problems in software systems.
• Comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments.
• Ability to investigate complex problems to root cause and champion the creation and implementation of solutions.
• Ability to design and implement solutions to complex problems with minimal guidance.

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
• 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
• And more!
• Relocation Eligibility Eligible for relocation

Compensation

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.

Additional Eligibility and Benefits

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.

Application Window

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.

Equal Opportunity 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.

Role Type Definitions

Employee Referral Eligible #MISENG. Please consider the following role type definitions as you apply for 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.

Company Overview

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.