Senior Manager, Trusted Components R&D

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

3 weeks vacation for new hires

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Collins Aerospace seeks a Senior Engineering Manager of Trusted Components R&D to lead a multi-disciplinary team delivering next‑generation security capabilities for Collins products. You will guide security research across software, systems, and firmware, and engage with defense customers to advance innovative cyber safety solutions.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, collaboration with DoD and government partners, and talent development.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience leading teams conducting engineering and rapid prototype development.
• Expertise in cybersecurity, software design, and/or systems engineering.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued Top Secret security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Leading a multi-disciplinary department of software, systems, cyber, and firmware engineers to deliver next-generation security capabilities.
• Collaborating with partners to transition innovations into operational practice with early customer feedback.
• Managing development of reusable security components across Collins products.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Cybersecurity

Software design

Systems engineering

Top Secret clearance

Security clearance

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166

Date Posted: 2026-11-05

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166

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: Top 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.

Collins Applied Research & Technology seeks a Senior Engineering Manager of Trusted Components R&D to lead a multi-disciplinary department of software, systems, cyber, and firmware engineers working together to deliver next-generation security capabilities in Collins products. As a technology leader, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading a portfolio of engineering activities focused on the security of future air and mission platforms, including communications, autonomous systems, and air vehicles. The candidate will be challenged with developing novel security technology to enhance assurance and trust in Collins products.

The person in this role should be self-motivated, serving as a key contributor to strategic planning, business development, and engagement across our customer stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess prior experience in defense platforms, cyber security, and system integrity. The candidate should be comfortable to collaborate with business partners, defense customers, and government to solve hard problems and deliver new innovations in security cyber physical systems.

What You Will Do

• Leading a team of engineers in the development and rapid prototyping of cutting-edge security technologies
• Collaborating with business partners to transition new technology innovations into operational practice, incorporating early customer feedback and ensuring alignment with strategic goals
• Managing the development of common, re-usable security components that enhance the trust and integrity of Collins products across connected ecosystems
• Recruiting, retaining, and fostering the professional growth of engineering talent across the team
• Providing strategic input on technology roadmaps, investment opportunities, and product improvements across the Collins Aerospace cybersecurity portfolio
• Engaging with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other government research organizations to guide and influence security technology development
• Supporting pursuit and capture activities for government science and technology programs
• Traveling up to 10% as needed to fulfill program and customer requirements

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
• Experience leading teams conducting engineering and rapid prototype development
• Expertise in cybersecurity, software design, and/or systems engineering
• Ability to work onsite and travel up to 10%
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued Top Secret security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience leading technologists in a research and development (R&D) environment
• Familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 6.2 and 6.3 research organizations such as DARPA, AFRL, ONR, NRL, and ARL
• Experience in developing, integrating, and certifying new security technologies with embedded products

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
• 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
• Eligible for relocation
• And more!

Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).

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.

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

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.

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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