Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Datalinks (ONSITE)

Collins Aerospace; 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 for newly hire

Generous 401(k) plan with employer and

Employer retirement contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Program

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Relocation assistance

And more!

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, seeks a Senior Principal Systems Engineer in Cedar Rapids, IA to lead system-level design, integration, and validation for encrypted, protected communications for military forces. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure solutions from concept to deployment, contributing to mission success and national security.

The role emphasizes leadership in trade studies, system architecture, requirements allocation, and certification, with

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
• Experience coordinating cross‑functional engineering activities and drives execution of project plans, consistently delivering assigned system engineering work packages on time and within budget
• Managed integration and verification planning across teams, achieving on‑time completion of key engineering milestones and ensuring readiness of test artifacts prior to event start

Responsibilities

• Participate in multi-discipline engineering team and provide system interface engineering disciplines including platform, hardware, software, firmware, mechanical, reliability/maintainability, safety, test equipment, environmental effects (EMI/EMC engineering, including Lightning, ESD, Nuclear, TEMPEST, Chemical/Biological, Climatics, and Dynamics), producibility, and manufacturing
• Interface with certifying and accrediting agencies to ensure compliance with requirements
• Cost Account Management for various engineering integration and qualification activities
• Contribute to all phases of the systems engineering lifecycle, including trade studies, system architecture, requirements definition and allocation, traceability, integration, verification, qualification and certification
• Partner with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful execution of key program milestones
• Provide systems engineering support to bids and proposals, contributing to technical strategy and solution development

Skills

Cross-functional coordination

System engineering

Lifecycle execution

Strong communication

Project management

Education

STEM degree + 10 years experience

Advanced degree + 7 years

Tools

Subversion

Jira

DOORS/Jama

MS Office

Job description

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

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

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: 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, an RTX company, 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.

We are seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to join our Multi-Domain Data Links group in Cedar Rapids, IA. You will play a key part in shaping and developing advanced systems that support encrypted, protected communications for military forces around the globe. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complete, innovative solutions that meet the complex needs of both U.S. and international defense customers. You will be responsible for leading system-level design, integration, and validation, helping bring highly secure and reliable technologies from concept to deployment. Your work will directly contribute to mission success and national security.

What You Will Do

• Participate in multi-discipline engineering team and provide system interface engineering disciplines including platform, hardware, software, firmware, mechanical, reliability/maintainability, safety, test equipment, environmental effects (EMI/EMC engineering, including Lightning, ESD, Nuclear, TEMPEST, Chemical/Biological, Climatics, and Dynamics), producibility, and manufacturing
• Interface with certifying and accrediting agencies to ensure compliance with requirements
• Cost Account Management for various engineering integration and qualification activities
• Contribute to all phases of the systems engineering lifecycle, including trade studies, system architecture, requirements definition and allocation, traceability, integration, verification, qualification and certification
• Partner with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful execution of key program milestones
• Provide systems engineering support to bids and proposals, contributing to technical strategy and solution development

Qualifications You Must Have

• Experience coordinating cross‑functional engineering activities and drives execution of project plans, consistently delivering assigned system engineering work packages on time and within budget
• Managed integration and verification planning across teams, achieving on‑time completion of key engineering milestones and ensuring readiness of test artifacts prior to event start
• 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

• Experience with Software Defined Radios, including the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) and waveforms
• Familiarity with Communication Systems architecture/design, Network Encryption specifications and test methodologies
• Experience using configuration control tools (e.g., Subversion), defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira), requirements management (e.g., Jama, DOORS), and proficient in the use of MS Office products
• Experience leading others in thinking through a logical, in-depth analysis of a problem or situation
• Strong communication skills, experience presenting technical data to program management and executive leadership

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
• 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
• 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 #MISENG

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select 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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