Principal Systems Engineer – Avionics Development and Integration (ONSITE)

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation for newly hire

Generous 401(k) plan with employer and

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to lead design, integration, certification, deployment, and sustaining of Avionics Systems on large business jets and air transport platforms.

You will own system-level IMAs, coordinate across subsystems, perform testing, develop PDR/CDR, and deliver certification packages while guiding a cross-functional team.

Qualifications

• Degree in a STEM field with extensive relevant experience or advanced degree with 5+ years.
• Hands-on experience with Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) at the system level.
• Strong understanding of avionics, aircraft systems, and subsystems.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience taking ownership of assigned work and delivering high-quality results.

Responsibilities

• Design and requirements development for avionics systems.
• On-site execution of tests in lab environments and flight test scenarios.
• Troubleshoot issues and report status to OEMs as needed.
• Develop and execute test scripts and validate system performance.
• Produce PDR/CDR packages and system certification documentation.
• Coordinate SW/HW work packages across subsystems and teams.
• Estimate and bid engineering efforts; report program status to stakeholders.
• Ensure traceability and compliance across the development lifecycle.

Skills

IMA system-level experience

Avionics knowledge

Team collaboration

Ownership and accountability

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Cameo

Job description

Principal Systems Engineer – Integrated Flight Systems Product Line Engineering Group

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105

Position Type: Onsite (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

Employment: US-based, onsite.

Role: Responsible for design, integration, development, certification, deployment, and sustaining of Avionics Systems on large business jets and Air Transport platforms.

What you will do

• Complete assignments involving Design and Requirement Development activities.
• On‑site execution of requirements‑based, robustness, and ad‑hoc testing in a lab environment.
• Troubleshoot and report issues, providing internal status and reporting to OEMs as necessary.
• Operate rig facilities during testing phases, including flight test scenarios to validate system functionality and performance.
• Develop and execute test scripts.
• Produce PDR/CDR packages and present them to OEMs.
• Produce system certification level documentation.
• Integrate and own SW/HW Work Packages and Avionics features coordinating across multiple subsystem functional areas.
• Estimate and bid engineering efforts.
• Provide regular updates on program status to key stakeholders.
• Ensure traceability and compliance across all phases of the development lifecycle.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers across multiple organizations, fostering a positive and productive team environment.

Qualifications – Must Have

• Degree in a STEM field; minimum 8 years relevant experience or advanced degree with minimum 5 years experience.
• Hands‑on experience with Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) at the system level.
• Strong understanding of Avionics, aircraft systems, and subsystems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Previous experience taking ownership of assigned work, following through on commitments, and delivering quality results.

Qualifications – Preferred

• Knowledge across multiple Avionics functional areas.
• Prior experience with full development cycles, Avionics certification, and lifecycle activities and deliverables.
• Experience working within regulatory environments (DO‑254, DO‑160, DO‑178B/C, DO‑297, ARP4754A, FAA/TCCA/EASA standards).
• Proficiency supporting testing activities, operating rig facilities, and troubleshooting during testing phases.
• Ability to execute flight test scenarios to validate system performance.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Cameo, or similar tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.

What we offer

• 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.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages (pet insurance, home and auto insurance, etc.).
• Parental leave benefits.
• Fertility and family planning support.
• Employee Assistance Plan with counseling sessions.
• Wellness incentives and rewards program.
• Virtual doctor visits and telehealth services.
• Child and elder care services.
• And more.

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 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.