Software Engineer II (Onsite)

Socket.dev; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

RTX/Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids seeks an Embedded Linux Software Engineer II to develop and optimize BSPs for custom hardware. You’ll work on bootloaders, kernel tailoring, and device drivers, collaborating with cross‑functional teams in software, hardware and FPGA design.

The role requires a Master’s in a STEM field, mid‑level C/C++ skills, and Bash/Python scripting. Onsite work with eligibility for relocation benefits and security clearance support.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Software/Computer Engineering, CS or STEM with start date in view.
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ and scripting languages.
• Experience with Linux tooling, debugging, and BSP concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain embedded Linux BSP, kernel, drivers, bootloader and build system.
• Prepare software builds for simulation, reference platforms and target hardware.
• Investigate root causes with hardware and software teams and implement fixes.
• Contribute to engineering estimates and project planning.

Skills

embedded C/C++

scripting (Bash/Python)

Education

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

Git

SVN

Buildroot

Wireshark

Logic analyzer

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-18

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: Secret

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

Are you ready to explore the world of aerospace and defense? Do you want to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the industry? At RTX, our internships, co-ops and full-time careers provide an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems, advance your skills and create a safer, more connected world. Discover opportunities to make a difference at RTX.

What You Will Do

Collins Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Embedded Linux Software Engineer II to join our Microelectronics Technology Directorate within the Applied Research and Technology (ART) organization. In this role, you will support cutting-edge Mission Systems products by developing and optimizing Board Support Package (BSP) solutions for custom hardware. Your skills in bootloader development, Linux kernel tailoring, and device driver creation will play a key role in delivering innovative solutions to our customers. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of experts in software, systems, hardware, and FPGA design to advance next-generation technologies in aerospace and defense applications.

• Design, develop and continuously enhance our customized Linux OS ecosystem and maintain ownership over areas such as build toolchain, kernel, root filesystem, bootloader, device drivers, and BSP for a wide variety of hardware boards.
• Contribute to the design, coding, testing, delivery and ongoing support for embedded Linux software systems.
• Participate in root cause analysis and resolution of complex hardware-software issues.
• Prepare software builds for execution in a simulation environment, reference platforms and on the target hardware.
• Understand and utilize the appropriate Collins Aerospace processes and tools during product development, resulting in increased product quality and improving customer satisfaction.
• Contribute to engineering estimates for tasks such as change requests or problem reports.

What You Will Learn

• You will work with an experienced team to learn best practices and Collins’ engineering processes for implementing world class embedded solutions.
• You will get to work with cutting edge technologies developed both in house and by external vendors.
• You will learn how embedded Linux and low-level software are used to implement solutions utilized in communications, security, and space-based products.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) major obtained by start date.
• Mid-level skills in embedded C/C++
• Experience with scripting languages, such as Bash and Python

Experience may be obtained through on-the-job experience, research, coursework, or projects.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with board bring-up and target hardware integration
• Experience with debugging and root cause investigations using hardware schematics and tools such as logic analyzer and Wireshark
• Experience as a command line user of Linux
• Experience with GIT and SVN version control systems
• Experience packaging custom Linux distribution with Buildroot.
• Experience in developing and maintaining Linux board support packages (BSP) for embedded systems
• Development experience Agile methodologies and DevSecOps

What We Offer

• Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX, we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
• Relocation, if eligible

The salary range for this role is 68,900 USD - 131,100 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.