Senior Principal Software Engineer - Core Systems & Libraries (Onsite)

RTX; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer to design the software foundation for next-generation avionics. You will lead architecture and development of core components, libraries, and tooling for safety-critical systems, with DO-178 certification in scope.

The role involves driving technical direction across development and verification activities, defining requirements and traceability, and collaborating with customers, regulators, and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in designing and delivering safety-critical avionics software.
• Strong proficiency in modern C++ and OO design principles.
• Experience with certification artifacts and standards (DO-178) across civil/military programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling for avionics platforms.
• Drive technical direction and execution for safety-critical software development and verification (DO-178).
• Define and manage software requirements, decomposition, and traceability across complex systems.
• Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object-oriented practices.
• Own DO-178 certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables.
• Lead and support certification activities with customers and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align solutions with program goals.

Skills

C++

Software architecture

Safety-critical

DO-178

Job description

Date Posted:2026-09-14Country:United States of America

Location:US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-124 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 124

Position Role Type:Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status: Not Required

Design the Foundation of Next-Generation Avionics

Join the growing Collins Aerospace Core Systems and Libraries team and play a key role in shaping the software foundation that powers modern aircraft. We are seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and driving high-impact solutions across safety-critical systems.In this role, you will lead the architecture and development of core software components, libraries, and tools that enable scalable, certifiable avionics platforms. You’ll work across the full software lifecycle, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions aligned with civil and military certification standards.This is a unique opportunity to influence system-level design, advance open architecture initiatives, and contribute to technologies that define the future of aerospace.

Location: Onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

What You Will Do

• 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
• Conduct and contribute to peer reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across the lifecycle
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align technical solutions with program objectives
• Willing and Able to travel as required (domestic and international