Senior Principal Architect, Core Avionics Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

Generous 401(k) with match and pension

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer to lead architecture and development of core software components, libraries, and tools for safety-critical avionics platforms. You will drive DO-178 certification activities, requirements traceability, and cross-functional collaboration across teams.

You will design and verify software using modern C++ in a DO-178 environment, own certification artifacts, and interact with customers and regulators as needed.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience.
• Proven experience designing and developing software architecture, libraries, or platform-level components within an aerospace or safety-critical environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical execution of projects, including customer engagement and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience supporting DO-178 software development and certification activities (e.g., requirements, verification, or certification artifacts).
• Experience working across cross-functional engineering and program teams to deliver complex, integrated solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling aligned to avionics system requirements.
• Drive technical direction and execution across development and verification activities for safety-critical software (DO-178).
• Define and manage software requirements, decomposition, and traceability across complex systems.
• Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object-oriented design principles.
• Own and produce DO-178 certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables.
• Lead and support certification efforts, including engagement with customers and regulatory authorities.

Skills

Software architecture

C++

Safety-critical systems

DO-178 certification

Cross-functional leadership

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

VxWorks

Git

Subversion

JIRA

Job description

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer to lead architecture and development of core software components, libraries, and tools for safety-critical avionics platforms. You will drive DO-178 certification activities, requirements traceability, and cross-functional collaboration across teams.

You will design and verify software using modern C++ in a DO-178 environment, own certification artifacts, and interact with customers and regulators as needed.