Principal Software Project Engineer - Display Products (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 107,500 - 204,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Generous vacation policy

Life insurance and disability coverage

Job summary

Prattwhitney is seeking a Principal Software Engineer based in Cedar Rapids, IA, to lead the design and development of avionics display software solutions. This role involves managing software projects, ensuring compliance with certification requirements, and coaching engineers.

The successful candidate will have a degree in a STEM field, at least 8 years of relevant experience, and strong communication and problem-solving skills. Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k) matching, and three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience.
• Proven ability to lead software development teams and manage projects.
• Experience with avionics certification processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead software project management from design to execution.
• Communicate technical progress and risks to stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with avionics certification requirements.

Skills

Leadership in software development

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Decision-making skills

Education

Degree in STEM field

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

DOORS

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

Role Overview

Date posted: 2026-04-03
Country: United States of America
Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105, 400 Collins Rd NE, BLDG 105
Position role type: Onsite
Citizenship requirement: U.S. citizenship necessary
Security clearance: None/Not required

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the Design, Development, and Verification of innovative avionics display software solutions across multiple platforms including bare metal applications and RTOS environments. The role is based in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Projects: Serve as the software project engineer, providing project management and technical direction throughout all program phases including pursuit, bidding, planning, execution, and sustainment. Lead teams ranging from entry-level to highly experienced engineers.
• Communicate Effectively: Report technical progress, risks, opportunities, and financial data clearly and concisely to stakeholders.
• Ensure Consistency: Align with Collins Aerospace technical engineering processes.
• Ensure Compliance: Define development plans, ensure compliance with DO‑178 and other certification requirements, and lead certification audits.
• Drive Best Practices: Promote best practices within software teams and oversee execution of software projects.
• Provide Guidance: Coach engineers toward growth as leads, CAMs, or PEs.

What You Will Learn

• Leadership Skills: Develop decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities at the team and program level.
• Certification Processes: Gain detailed knowledge of avionics regulatory and certification requirements, including TSO, MIL‑STD, DO‑160, DO‑254, DO‑178B/C, DO‑297, and APR4754A.
• Technical Expertise: Expand understanding of flight deck displays, certification, and project execution within the avionics organization.
• Cross‑Organizational Exposure: Learn how to meet needs across multiple Collins organizations and navigate differing requirements.

Key Qualifications

Required:

• Degree in STEM field; or advanced degree in a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience.
• Proven ability to lead software development teams and manage technical projects (schedule, earned value management, risk management).
• Strong communication, interpersonal, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with avionics regulatory and certification requirements (TSO, MIL‑STD, DO‑160, DO‑254, DO‑178B/C).
• Embedded C++ or platform‑level software experience.
• RTOS experience.
• Experience with engineering life‑cycle tools such as DOORS, PREP, JIRA, and Confluence.

Role Type

Onsite – employees working primarily onsite, including production and maintenance roles. Collaboration and innovation are critical across all functions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching funds and a separate retirement contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student loan repayment program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.
• Ovia Health, fertility and family planning support.
• Adoption assistance.
• Autism benefit.
• Employee Assistance Plan with up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You incentives and wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand and virtual doctor visits.
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services.
• Teladoc Medical Experts second opinion program.
• And more.

Salary

USD 107,500 – 204,500 (annual). Estimated range based on all experience levels.

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.