Senior Principal Software Security Engineer

globalhr; 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

401(k) plan with employer matching

Job summary

RTX’s Collins Aerospace unit in Cedar Rapids seeks a Senior Principal Software Engineer to lead embedded cryptographic software development in C++, Python, and embedded Linux. You will collaborate with hardware, FPGA, and software teams to deliver secure, reliable crypto systems for military communications. Active U.S.

clearance is required from day 1. Join a team that drives innovation across products, ensuring secure designs and successful certification.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) unless prohibited by local laws/regulations and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience or in absence of a degree, 10 years of relevant experience
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Software development and integration experience on complex multi-threaded embedded C and C++ product software code bases
• Experience with standard full lifecycle software development practices and configuration management tools

Responsibilities

• Lead Software Development and Integration: Spearhead efforts on a multi-threaded embedded C++ product codebase, driving innovation at the cutting edge of technology.
• Design Embedded Solutions: Take the lead in designing and developing advanced embedded cryptographic solutions and communications products, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Drive Project Execution: Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to define requirements, implement software, and oversee test case development, verification test execution, and certification support.
• Mentor and Empower: Provide guidance and mentorship to fellow software developers, enhancing both technical proficiency and process optimization while cultivating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Enhance Security and Reliability: Play a pivotal role in shaping products that significantly bolster the security and reliability of critical communications infrastructure.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Multi-threaded software

Embedded Linux

Cryptography experience

Python

Education

STEM degree or Advanced degree

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-01

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Security Clearance Type: Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Job Description

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.

Crypto Without the Coins—Come Engineer What Keeps Critical Systems Secure. Our Crypto team in the creates cutting edge embedded cryptographic capabilities for U.S. military communications products. We regularly work with the N.S.A. to ensure our military communications are secure and trustworthy.

Our team works alongside multiple hardware, FPGA, and software teams to seamlessly embed our advanced technology into several different products, all with the end goal of keeping our warfighters safe and secure and bringing them home. This team gets to work on a wide variety of innovative products, both new and existing, so it's not your typical repetitive workload.

As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, development, integration, and verification of our embedded encryption algorithms. Proficiency in C++, Python, and embedded Linux is crucial for rapid integration into our projects. While experience with secure systems, secure software development, or cryptographic applications is preferred, it is not required. The ideal candidate will consistently deliver superior results, ensuring project milestones are met while fostering a positive work environment.

What You Will Do:

• Lead Software Development and Integration: Spearhead efforts on a multi-threaded embedded C++ product codebase, driving innovation at the cutting edge of technology.
• Design Embedded Solutions: Take the lead in designing and developing advanced embedded cryptographic solutions and communications products, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Drive Project Execution: Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to define requirements, implement software, and oversee test case development, verification test execution, and certification support.
• Mentor and Empower: Provide guidance and mentorship to fellow software developers, enhancing both technical proficiency and process optimization while cultivating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Enhance Security and Reliability: Play a pivotal role in shaping products that significantly bolster the security and reliability of critical communications infrastructure.

What You Will Learn:

• You will gain technical experience on the always evolving latest security requirements.
• Explore secure systems and software development principles within a supportive team environment.
• Develop insights into cryptographic applications, fostering a deeper understanding of their implementation and implications.
• Participate in Agile methodologies, refining your ability to adapt and deliver in dynamic project settings.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) unless prohibited by local laws/regulations and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience or in absence of a degree, 10 years of relevant experience

• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Software development and integration experience on complex multi-threaded embedded C and C++ product software code bases.
• Experience with standard full lifecycle software development practices and configuration management tools

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience with memory safe languages
• Crypto software requirements capture, design formulation, algorithms and implementation
• Development of artifacts to support certification of crypto system and components
• Experience with Information Assurance and/or Cybersecurity industry standards of practice

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 accident insurance,critical illnessinsurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• 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
• And more!

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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