Senior Principal Engineer - Algorithms (ONSITE)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Employee referral eligible

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer—Algorithms to drive development, integration, and productionization of JPALS Airborne Algorithms within the Precision Landing Engineering organization. This role requires a subject-matter-expert in Model-Based Development and DoD-grade security readiness.

The position entails defining requirements, testing algorithms, and providing architecture-level direction across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with MathWorks toolset (MATLAB/Simulink, Polyspace, Embedded Coder, Stateflow).
• Experience reading and deriving mathematical expressions and system-level analyses.
• Expertise in DO-178, ARP, MIL-STD-882E standards and objectives.
• Experience in Vector-Based Testing and high-rigor software verification (MCDC, data dictionaries, etc.).
• Exposure to fielded Precision Approach and Landing Algorithms.
• Proficient in reading algorithm descriptions and performing matrix manipulations.

Responsibilities

• Define and decompose requirements related to airborne algorithms.
• Test algorithms and models for the JPALS program; develop rapid automation of testing.
• Provide architecture-level insight for high-assurance airborne algorithms design.
• Drive a design from paper to field; involve in all technical aspects.
• Solve complex problems in flight dynamics, aviation, math and physics.
• Incorporate model-based systems engineering tools and methods.
• Perform verification and validation to high rigor on the systems.
• Analyze system trouble-shooting and basic software debugging.
• Participate in full System Engineering Lifecycle from requirements to verification.

Skills

Math & algorithms

Flight dynamics

Systems engineering

Model-based development

MATLAB/Simulink

Aerospace standards

Education

STEM degree

Job description

Date Posted:

2026-10-13

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 ~ 5350 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 130

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: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

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.

The Senior Principal Systems Engineer Algorithms position will be a key driver of the development, integration and product ionization of the Joint Precision Approach & Landing System (JPALS) Airborne Algorithms (AA)within the Precision Landing Engineering organization.The program is looking for a Subject-Matter-Expert in Model Based Development of Airborne Algorithms with experience interfacing with multidisciplinary teams of engineers. The ideal candidate comes with experience in the complete toolset and the entire systems engineering lifecycle.

What You Will Do

• Define and decompose requirements related to airborne algorithms
• Test algorithms and models for the JPALS program, as well as developing rapid automation of testing
• Provide architecture-level insight and direction for and formulate conceptual designs for the design of high assurance airborne algorithms
• Be Involved in all technical aspects of driving a design from paper to the field
• Solve complex problems in flight dynamics, aviation, advanced mathematics and physics
• Incorporate and champion the use of groundbreaking Model-Based Systems Engineering Development Tools
• Perform Verification and Validation to the highest levels of Rigor of the systems on which you work
• Conduct analysis for system trouble shooting and analysis to include a basic ability to debug software
• Participate in the full System Engineering Lifecycle from Requirements Capture to Verification and Documentation

Qualifications You Must Have

• Experience in the entire MathWorks tool set, including but not limited to: Matlab, Simulink, Polyspace, Embedded Coder, Requirements toolbox, Stateflow, Design Verifier
• Experience in reading and developing algorithm descriptions, mathematical expressions and derivations, matrix manipulations, outlier analysis, and system level analysis
• Expertise of standards and objectives in the following certification rigors: DO-178, ARP, and MIL-STD-882E
• Experience in Vector-Based Testing
• Experience performing high-rigor software assurance verification activities such as Margin Analysis, Data dictionary, Link Analysis, MCDC, and others
• Previous exposure to fielded Precision Approach and Landing Algorithms
• Experience in Code Optimization and Auto-generation experience
• Proficient in reading and developing algorithm descriptions, mathematical expressions and derivations, matrix manipulations, outlier analysis, and system level analysis
• Experience in the systems engineering discipline
• 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

Qualifications We Prefer

• Background in Advanced Mathematics or Physics
• Experience performing Cost/Benefit analysis of prospective new tools and infrastructure
• Proficient in performing data analysis and problem solving (e.g. anomaly investigation)

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
• Carrot Health to hormonal 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
• This position is eligible for relocation assistance
• 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 .

Employee Referral Eligible

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.