Principal Software Engineer - Tactical Communications (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) plan with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design and develop embedded software for secure communications, including software-defined radios, networking, cryptographic systems and open platform software.

You will lead and mentor teams, drive requirements, testing, and certification, and contribute to CI/CD tooling, with a focus on real-time performance and mission-critical reliability.

Qualifications

• Experience across the full software development lifecycle.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain security clearance.
• Experience with software for communications or similar products.
• Experience with embedded software development.
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust.
• Typically requires a STEM degree with 8+ years of experience or an advanced degree with 5+ years.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop cutting-edge embedded software, networking and communications products in C/C++ and Rust.
• Drive project success by planning and contributing to requirements, implementation, testing and certification.
• Develop innovative tools and automated testing infrastructures to support CI/CD processes.
• Mentor and guide software developers on technical and process challenges.
• Lead large initiatives and organize tasks to ensure timely delivery.
• Impact the business and customers by supporting cost, schedule and technical performance.

Skills

C/C++

Rust

Python

Embedded software

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree (MS/PhD)

Tools

Git

Linux development environments

Containerization

Job description

United States of America

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

Onsite

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

DoD Clearance: Secret

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 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

• YOU will design and develop cutting-edge embedded software, networking and communication productsin C/C++ and Rust


• YOU will drive project success by planning and directly contributing to requirements, implementation, test development, and certification


• YOU will develop innovative tools and automated testing infrastructures that support Continuous Integration and Continuous Development processes


• YOU will mentor and guide software developers on technical and process challenges


• YOU will lead large initiatives and organize tasks for team members, ensuring timely delivery


• YOU will impact our business and our customers: supporting cost, schedule, and technical performance

What You Will Learn

• YOU will gain technical leadership experience and mentorship opportunities to develop talent for yourself and others


• YOU will collaborate with fellow subject matter experts and industry specialists, obtaining hands-on experience with new and innovative technologies


• YOU will engage with a multidisciplinary team to develop a cross-functional skillset


• YOU will 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 in 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

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.