Principal Systems CH-53K Platform Engineer (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Vacation plan

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Job summary

RTX is seeking a senior systems/solutions engineer to support avionics across CH-53K programs. You will lead requirements, architecture, and lifecycle verification while coordinating with program chiefs and architects.

The role requires a STEM degree with 8+ years of experience, familiarity with Agile, and the ability to obtain SECRET clearance after day 1. Domestic travel may be required (<10%).

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) required or advanced degree in related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience (or 5+ years with advanced degree).
• Experience with Agile development methodology.
• Systems or Software Engineering experience through all phases of development.
• Ability to obtain a DoD SECRET security clearance after day 1.

Responsibilities

• Support systems engineering through all phases of system product development, including pursuit, capture, requirements, architecture, verification and life-cycle support.
• Work for avionics solutions across the U.S. Marine Corps and CH-53K platforms.
• Navigate bids and pursuits, adhering to Collins processes for CH-53K programs.
• Lead customer discussions alongside program chiefs and architect.
• Occasional domestic travel to customer sites (<10%).

Skills

Agile development

Systems engineering

Software engineering

Security clearance readiness

Bid & pursuit experience

Technical leadership

Education

STEM degree

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-21 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-182 ~ 1100 Cimmie Ave Ne ~ BLDG 182 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: 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 Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: 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.

What You Will Do:

• Support systems engineering through all phases of system product development including program pursuit and capture, requirements capture and analysis, system architecture design, requirements allocation and traceability, system verification, system validation and life-cycle product support.
• Work for avionics solutions across the U.S. Marine Corps and the International CH-53K Platforms.
• Navigate through the bids & pursuits, adhering to Collins Processes for the CH-53K programs.
• Lead customer discussions alongside the program chiefs & architect.
• Occasional domestic travel to customer sites may be required (<10%).

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.
• Experience with Agile development methodology.
• Systems or Software Engineering experience through all phases of development.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense SECRET Security Clearance after day 1.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Prior CAAS/Flight2 Architect Experience
• Experience with DARs
• Experience doing bids & pursuits
• Experience with planning documents
• Familiarity with the CH-53K Aircraft Platform
• Prior technical leadership experience

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!

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. At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other – propel us all higher, again and again.

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.

Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms 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.