Senior Manager, Software Engineering KC-46 Tanker Video Graphics System (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Matching

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Life Insurance

Job summary

RTX Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids seeks a Software Engineering Manager to lead the KC-46 Vision System software effort, overseeing real-time video processing, display rendering, and certifiable avionics software. You will mentor engineers, drive architecture, verification, and certification, manage program execution, and align technical work with mission objectives for the U.S.

Air Force and tanker operators.

Qualifications

• Typically requires STEM degree and 10+ years experience in software leadership.
• Proven leadership managing software development projects in certification environments.
• Strong background in Earned Value Management (EVM) and program execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing software team.
• Drive architecture and delivery of safety-critical avionics software for military applications.
• Own program execution within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Champion engineering excellence by implementing best practices across software development, verification, and certification.
• Partner with program leadership, systems engineering, and customers to align technical solutions with mission objectives.
• Lead technical strategy and support bid and proposal efforts, including scope estimation.
• Build and strengthen the engineering organization through hiring, workforce planning, and talent development.
• Influence long-term product strategy through technology roadmaps and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify program risks early and drive proactive mitigation strategies.

Skills

Leadership experience

Software development management

Earned Value Management

DO-178C experience

Embedded graphics / vision systems

Multicore processing

Agile & Waterfall

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree in related field

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-11-04 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-193 ~ 1120 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG193 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. 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. Shape the future of mission‑critical avionics by leading the software organization responsible for the KC‑46 Video Graphics System (VGS).

We are seeking a highly experienced Software Engineering Manager who thrives at the intersection of advanced graphics processing, safety‑critical avionics, and complex mission systems. In this role, you will guide the development, integration, and sustainment of VGS software that is foundational to KC‑46 refueling operations and aircrew situational awareness. You will lead a high‑performing team charged with delivering robust, scalable, certifiable software that supports pilot and refueling‑operator vision systems, real‑time video processing pipelines, display rendering, and tanker‑unique mission functions. Your leadership directly impacts platform reliability, modernization capability, and mission success for the U.S. Air Force and global tanker operators.

KC-46 Mission Context: Vision System & Airborne Refueling Operations

The KC-46 Pegasus relies on an advanced, fully integrated Vision System to enable safe and precise Airborne Refueling operations in both day and night conditions. As the leader for KC-46 VGS Software, you will be responsible for the software that processes high-definition sensor inputs, performs real-time video enhancement, and renders multiple synchronized camera views to the Aerial Refueling Operator Station (AROS). Your team's work ensures boom operators receive stable, low‑latency, high‑fidelity video essential for their mission tasking.

What You Will Do

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing software engineering team, fostering technical growth and career development.
• Drive the architecture, design, and delivery of safety-critical avionics software for military applications, with emphasis on KC-46 VGS capabilities.
• Own program execution, ensuring successful delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Champion engineering excellence by implementing best practices across software development, verification, and certification.
• Partner with program leadership, systems engineering, and customers to align technical solutions with mission objectives.
• Lead technical strategy and support bid and proposal efforts, including solution development and scope estimation.
• Build and strengthen the engineering organization through hiring, workforce planning, and talent development.
• Influence long-term product strategy through technology roadmaps and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify program risks early and drive proactive mitigation strategies.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience.
• Proven leadership experience managing software development projects in certification environments.
• Strong background in Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Experience leading and mentoring engineering teams.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Hands-on experience with DO-178C processes.
• Experience developing embedded graphics, video processing, or safety‑critical avionics software.
• Experience with multicore processing and open architecture.
• Knowledge of Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Experience with lab integration, system-level testing, and engineering tools.

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 illnessinsurance, 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 services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• And more!

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

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.

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.