Software Engineering Manager, Tactical Communications

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

Generous 401(k) with matching

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Plan

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a senior program manager for embedded software development, integration, and test of software-defined radio architectures. You will oversee daily activities of software engineers and project teams in an agile environment onsite.

The role requires SECRET clearance, proven EVMS and scheduling expertise, and experience with FPGA/Crypto Modules. You will lead cross-functional teams to deliver on time, within budget, and with high technical standards

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) required or advanced degree.
• 8+ years of relevant experience or 5+ years with an advanced degree.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams in software development/test with FPGA and Crypto Module integration.
• Strong embedded software development knowledge and use of C++.
• Experience with EVMS and schedule management, risk mitigation, and Agile.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily activities and provide technical oversight of software engineers, project engineers, and support teams.
• Oversee development, integration, and testing of embedded software in an Agile environment for SDR architectures.
• Control project scope, schedule, and budget using EVMS performance measurement.
• Demonstrate predictable program execution and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate on engineering bids, proposals, and staffing plans to meet objectives.

Skills

Embedded software

C++

Systems engineering

Leadership

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ALM tools

SEER-SEM

Configuration management

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-22 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.

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.

Picture this real-world scenario: It's August 2026, and tensions are at an all-time high in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has implemented new transit rules and established a 2,000-kilometer zone of control enforced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), demanding all vessels use designated lanes and coordinate with their Persian Gulf Strait Authority. A U.S. Navy Destroyer (USS Reliant) is navigating the narrow 21-mile-wide channel to project power and protect commercial shipping. An F-16 pilot (Viper 1) is providing top-cover surveillance overhead. Viper 1 monitors three Iranian fast-attack craft accelerating at high speed toward the USS Reliant in a "swarm" formation. Simultaneously, Viper 1 notices that the USS Reliant is broadcasting a message that is being heavily distorted. Viper 1 switches to a secure, frequency-hopping, tactical waveform. "Reliant, this is Viper 1, hostile swarm approaching 2-0-0 degrees, 5 miles out, requesting permission to engage." "Viper 1, this is Reliant, cleared to engage. We are activating close-in weapons systems." Because the message was secure and encrypted, Iranian electronic warfare units could not interpret or spoof the directive. Because the link was reliable, it bypassed the intense local jamming. The F-16 acts as a fast-reaction force using Collins tactical radios, allowing the destroyer to make crucial defensive maneuvers, securing the vessel and preventing a wider conflict.

What You Will Do

• Manage daily activities and contribute to the technical oversight of software engineers, project engineers, and support organizations to develop, integrate, and test embedded software in an Agile development environment for software-defined radio architectures
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget for software engineering activities using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) performance measurement; manage project risks/issues and elevate to upper management when appropriate
• Demonstrate predictable program execution and continuous improvement
• Oversee and participate in the development of engineering bids and proposals
• Create and implement strategic workforce and staffing plans to ensure the team meets its business objectives and maintains high-performance standards, including recruiting/hiring, as well as actively addressing employee performance and career development actions
• Ensure compliance with Collins Aerospace development processes and standard work requirements
• Collaborate across programs and engineering teams to identify efficiencies, share resources, and support the development of best practices, necessitating an ability to clearly communicate objectives and status to audiences with varying degrees of understanding of the products and technology
• Develop and nurture internal and external networks, ensuring alignment and transparency with stakeholders, forging relationships with peers across RCP Engineering, Value Stream Leadership, and government customers

Qualifications

• Active and transferable SECRET clearance is required prior to start date
• US citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams in software development/integration/test with FPGA and Crypto Module integration
• Working knowledge of embedded software development and the use of C++
• A proven ability to guide and lead software development processes
• Experience with cost account management (EVMS) and schedule management
• Able to motivate/challenge engineers as well as keeping them engaged in a high-performing team environment
• Experience with Agile development methodologies
• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience

Qualifications We Prefer

• Familiarity with software defined radios architectures, networking communications waveforms, experience with bid narrative write-ups, earned value reporting, configuration management tools, ALM tool suite, SEER-SEM estimation modeling tool, and wireless technologies
• Direct involvement in Agile methodologies, serving as a Product Owner, Scrum Master, or Release Train Engineer, with demonstrated success in managing Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, backlog grooming, and cross-team coordination
• High-level understanding of systems, cryptographic, and FPGA engineering, as well as hardware development
• Domain knowledge in network communications, datalinks, and platform integration

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 illness insurance, 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
• And more!

This position requires onsite presence in Cedar Rapids, IA.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 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.

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.

Employee Referral Eligible #MISENG

Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.