Principal Systems CH-53K Platform Engineer (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan with match

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join the Rotary Wing Platform Systems Engineering team and contribute to CH-53K program development for U.S. Marine Corps and international customers.

You will lead systems engineering across all phases—from requirements capture and architecture design to verification, traceability, and life-cycle support—while coordinating with program chiefs, architects, and customers.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree with extensive experience in systems engineering.
• Experience applying Agile methodologies across development lifecycles.
• Ability to obtain U.S. DoD SECRET clearance after day 1.

Responsibilities

• Support systems engineering through all phases of development, including pursuit, requirements, architecture, verification and life-cycle support.
• Work on avionics solutions for USMC and international CH-53K programs.
• Lead customer discussions with program chiefs and architects.
• Navigate bids and pursuits following Collins processes.

Skills

Agile development

Systems engineering

Software engineering

DoD clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

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.

The Rotary Wing Platform Systems Engineering team is seeking a highly motivated Principal Systems Engineer to join the development efforts for our CH-53K programs for our U.S. Marine Corps and International customers.

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.

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:

Benefits: Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• 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 illnessinsurance, 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!

This role may be eligible for relocation.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

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.