Principal Software Engineer - Tools and Enablement (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vacation time

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

Wellness program

Job summary

RTX is seeking a Platform Software Enablement and Tools Lead to drive strategy, development, and integration of software platforms, toolchains, and automation that enable modern engineering teams to build, test, and deliver avionics software.

Lead the end-to-end DAL A compliant platform, guide CI/CD pipelines with Docker, GitLab, and CertDevOps tools, and foster standardization across test environments and engineering workflows.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM or advanced degree with leadership in tooling or software in safety-critical environments.
• Experience with CertDevOps tools (Bamboo, Jenkins, GitLab) and automated tooling frameworks.
• Strong scripting, automation, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Product Line Development: Vision and delivery of a next-generation platform processing suite with DO-178C DAL A compliance.
• Automated Pipeline Integration: Lead GitLab-based pipelines, Docker images, and CertDevOps tools for lifecycle support.
• Lifecycle Environment Maintenance: Design and document test solutions and test harnesses for verification.
• Tools Development and Standardization: Create scripts, train teams, and standardize pipelines and tooling.

Skills

Python scripting

Bash scripting

Analytical thinking

Continuous improvement

CertDevOps exposure

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Docker

GitLab

Bamboo

Jenkins

Static analysis

Timing analysis

Automation tooling

Job description

Platform Software Enablement and Tools Lead

Job Summary: Lead the strategy, development, and integration of software platforms, toolchains, and automation capabilities that enable modern engineering teams to build, test, and deliver high‑quality avionics software.

Responsibilities

• Product Line Development: Vision architect and lead delivery of next‑generation product line processing platform, spanning boot, application, and RTOS software; ensure full compliance with DO‑178C DAL A standards across development, verification, and release; partner with cross‑functional teams to build efficient development processes and ensure successful platform implementation.
• Automated Pipeline Integration: Lead integration of DAL‑A software into a GitLab‑based pipeline that supports the complete DO‑178 lifecycle; develop Docker images for consistent environments; apply modern CertDevOps tools (GitLab Pipelines, Bamboo/Jenkins, static analysis, coverage, requirements verification, timing‑analysis); optimize and maintain CI/CD pipelines to improve reliability, traceability, and development velocity.
• Lifecycle Environment Maintenance: Design, debug, and document test solutions for product‑line test environments; debug avionics networking protocols; oversee consistent configuration of test equipment; build automation and test harnesses to accelerate verification.
• Tools Development and Standardization: Develop and deliver training on processes, work instructions, and best practices for automated pipelines, test environments, and tooling; support development and certification of TQL‑5 tools; drive standardization of test harnesses, development tools, and engineering processes; create scripts to automate repetitive tasks; leverage AI capabilities to enhance productivity and optimize schedules.

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirements: Degree in STEM and at least 8 years of relevant experience; or Advanced Degree and 5+ years leading tooling or software product development teams in a safety‑critical, highly regulated environment; experience with CertDevOps tools (Bamboo, Jenkins, GitLab); expertise with automated tooling frameworks, virtualization, or containerised environments (Docker); strong automation scripting (Python, Bash); excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills; proactive continuous improvement mindset.
• Preferred Experience: DO‑178C DAL A certification processes and DO‑330 tool qualification from early architecture through certification; hands‑on embedded software development, real‑time OS, or avionics processing platforms; knowledge of networking protocols (A429, CAN, AFDX, Ethernet); experience implementing AI‑based tooling, workflow automation, or advanced scheduling/efficiency optimization.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student loan repayment program
• Life and disability coverage, optional pet, home, auto, additional accident and critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits; fertility and family planning assistance; adoption assistance; autism benefit; employee assistance plan (up to 10 free counseling sessions)
• Healthy You incentives, wellness rewards, virtual doctor visits via Doctor on Demand, Bright Horizons child and elder care services, Teladoc medical experts and second‑opinion program

Equal Opportunity Employer

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, 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 Section503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.