Senior Principal Cyber Software Engineer

RTX; 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

Generous 401(k) plan with matching

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

RTX Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids seeks experienced Cyber Engineers with embedded systems and communications expertise to join our Applied Research & Technology team. You will lead cybersecurity research, develop security solutions for connected platforms, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges.

The ideal candidate has threat modeling, vulnerability research, OT/ICS security, and a proven track record of moving research into deployable technology.

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
• 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
• Experience leading technical research and development projects from concept through technology demonstration
• 5+ years of experience developing and integrating complex, multi-threaded embedded software, Rust, Ada, C and/or C++
• 5+ years of standard full lifecycle software development practices, including the use of configuration management tools

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and strategic management of novel research and development projects in the cyber physical security
• Participate in and lead multi-disciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to develop, integrate, and evaluate new cyber security technologies
• Perform advanced technology demonstrations delivering early customer engagement, innovation, and business impact
• Participate in 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

Skills

Embedded software

Rust

Ada

C

C++

Threat modeling

Vulnerability research

OT security

Cybersecurity research

Travel ability

Education

STEM degree

Tools

FPGA development

MATLAB/Simulink

GNU Radio

SDR platforms

Job description

Date Posted:

2026-09-22

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

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.

Join a fast-growing research team focused on developing new and innovative technologies to ensure the security of connected cyber physical systems.

We are seeking experienced Cyber Engineers with expertise in embedded systems and communications platforms to join our Applied Research & Technology team. In this role, you’ll lead cutting-edge cybersecurity research, develop innovative security solutions for next-generation connected platforms, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve some of the industry’s most complex technical challenges.

The ideal candidate has experience in threat modeling, vulnerability research, embedded and operational technology (OT) security, and cyber-physical systems. Beyond technical excellence, you’ll partner with customers and business leaders to identify emerging research opportunities, accelerate the transition of new technologies, and drive the adoption of innovative cybersecurity solutions that protect critical aerospace and defense platforms.

What You Will Do

• Lead the technical and strategic management of novel research and development projects in the cyber physical security
• Participate in and lead multi-disciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to develop, integrate, and evaluate new cyber security technologies
• Perform advanced technology demonstrations delivering early customer engagement, innovation, and business impact
• Participate in 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
• 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
• Experience leading technical research and development projects from concept through technology demonstration
• 5+ years of experience developing and integrating complex, multi-threaded embedded software, Rust, Ada, C and/or C++
• 5+ years of standard full lifecycle software development practices, including the use of configuration management tools

Qualifications We Prefer

• Active U.S. Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance (SCI eligibility preferred)
• Experience with leading development of System/Software Architecture
• Ability to communicate and present to all levels of the organization
• Experience in cybersecurity, embedded systems, cyber-physical systems, or related engineering disciplines
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical industries
• Hands-on experience with FPGA development, embedded systems, or cyber-physical platforms
• Experience designing, developing, or securing software applications using modern software development practices
• Experience with RF/radio systems and software, such as MATLAB/Simulink, GNU Radio, or SDR platforms

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

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 accidental 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 assistance
• And more!

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

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 attendselect 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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