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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation for newly-hire

401(k) plan with matching and company/

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness program

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Collins Aerospace seeks an experienced Software Engineering Manager to lead the KC-46 Vision Graphics System software organization. You will guide development, integration, and sustainment of certifiable software for KC-46 refueling operations and aircrew situational awareness.

You will manage a high-performing team delivering real-time video processing, display rendering, and mission-specific functions, influencing long-term strategy and modernization across the program.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with 10+ years of experience, or advanced degree with 7+ years of experience.
• Proven leadership experience managing software development projects in certification environments.
• Strong background in Earned Value Management (EVM).

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing software engineering team.
• Drive architecture, design, and delivery of safety-critical avionics software for military applications.
• Own program execution, ensuring 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.

Skills

People leadership

Software architecture

Program management

Safety-critical software

Education

STEM degree

Tools

DO-178C

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

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
• 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!

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.

Our industry‑leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.

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 132,400 USD - 251,600 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.

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