Senior Principal Cyber Researcher - Reverse Engineering (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation days

401(k) match plan

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Job summary

RTX, Collins Aerospace, is seeking a seasoned leader to manage and drive cyber-physical security R&D programs onsite in Cedar Rapids. You will coordinate hardware, software, communications, and systems engineering teams to advance reverse engineering approaches and security technologies. The role requires a STEM degree with extensive experience, U.S.

citizenship, and the ability to obtain a DoD clearance. Expect collaboration with stakeholders and occasional travel to support demonstrations and

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree and 10+ years of experience, or an advanced degree with 7+ years.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain/maintain a DoD clearance are required.
• Must have ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• 1+ years of experience with embedded/industrial control systems or OT.
• Experience using reverse engineering tools (disassemblers and debuggers).
• Experience supporting or leading research activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and strategic management of novel R&D projects in cyber physical security.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams to develop and evaluate new cyber security approaches.
• Lead advanced technology demonstrations delivering early customer engagement and impact.
• Lead technical proposal preparation and execution of government-sponsored research.
• Cultivate partnerships with stakeholders across Collins and customers for alignment.
• Willingness to travel 10% of the time.

Skills

Cyber security

Reverse engineering

Hardware engineering

Software engineering

Systems engineering

Team leadership

Government contracts

Proposal writing

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree (MS/PhD)

Tools

Disassemblers

Debuggers

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-17

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.

What You Will Do

• Lead the technical and strategic management of novel research and development projects in the cyber physical security
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to develop, integrate, and evaluate new cyber security reverse engineering approaches and technologies
• Lead advanced technology demonstrations delivering early customer engagement, innovation, and business impact
• Lead technical proposal preparation and the execution of government-sponsored science and technology research
• Cultivate strong partnerships with technology stakeholders across Collins business and customers to ensure collaboration and strategic alignment
• Must be willing and able to travel 10% of the time

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
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance
• 1+ years experience working with embedded systems or industrial control systems or operational technology
• Experience utilizing reverse engineering tools (Disassemblers and Debuggers)
• Experience supporting or leading research activities

Qualifications We Prefer

• Ability to communicate and present to all levels of the organization
• Aerospace or defense experience
• Active DoD security clearance
• Experience working with FPGAs

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions - whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you'll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

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
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adop