Principal Systems Engineer -Displays (Onsite)

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

Job summary

RTX, including Collins Aerospace, is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead systems engineering activities across avionics programs. This role defines architectures, guides integration and verification, and ensures compliance with certification standards and design plans.

You will influence product strategy, collaborate across hardware, software, and program teams, and contribute to roadmaps for high‑performance, safety‑critical flight systems.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics with 8+ years of experience.
• Leadership experience in certified aerospace or complex regulated systems.
• Experience in system architectures and cross-domain collaboration.
• Knowledge of avionics certification/regulatory requirements such as DO-178B/C, DO-254, DO-160.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a system engineering technical leader, defining approaches that build on existing product foundations while meeting customer and program needs.
• Lead systems engineering activities including system definition, architecture development, and integration planning with hardware, software, and program teams.
• Ensure compliance with established engineering processes, certification requirements, and program design plans.
• Apply avionics or complex-systems expertise to influence product strategy and support future pursuits.

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

Architecture development

Cross-domain collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree in related field

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-11-06

Country: United States of America

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

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of "U.S. Person" go here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62

Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status: Not Required

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.

Are you motivated by solving complex engineering problems and guiding technology that impacts pilots, missions, and global aviation? At Collins Aerospace, we're looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to help drive the evolution of next‑generation avionics solutions. In this role, you'll influence major technical decisions, partner across disciplines, and shape systems that support both commercial and military customers. Whether your strengths lie in integration, requirements leadership, technical strategy, or cross‑functional problem solving, you'll have the opportunity to play a crucial role in delivering high‑performance, safety‑critical products that define the future of flight.

What You Will Do :

• Serve as a system engineering technical leader, defining and refining approaches that build on existing product foundations while meeting customer and program needs.
• Lead systems engineering activities including system definition, architecture development, and integration planning in partnership with hardware, software, and program teams.
• Ensure compliance with established engineering processes, certification requirements, and program design plans.
• Apply your avionics or complex‑systems expertise to influence product strategy, contribute to technology roadmaps, and support future pursuits.

What You Will Learn:

• Gain deep understanding of safety‑critical avionics development and how certified flight deck systems are designed, integrated, and delivered.
• Strengthen your leadership skills by coordinating across technical teams, guiding design decisions, and shaping project outcomes.
• Develop advanced systems‑engineering and strategic planning capabilities while working with global teams, suppliers, and cross‑functional stakeholders.

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
• Leadership experience in developing certified aerospace or other complex, regulated systems.
• Demonstrated success creating or contributing to system architectures and collaborating across engineering domains.
• Knowledge of avionics certification or regulatory requirements such as TSO, DO‑160, DO‑254, or DO‑178B/C.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Background in optics, display technology, electronics, or hardware/software integration.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, especially when coordinating across teams or presenting to leadership.

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
• Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building
• 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 servic