Software Engineering Manager, Tactical Communications

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

3 weeks vacation

Generous 401(k) with matching

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Sr Software Engineering Manager to lead the LOS/BLOS waveform software efforts in Cedar Rapids, IA. This role focuses on embedded software development, cross-functional teams, and secure communications for tactical warfighting systems.

The position requires active SECRET clearance, US citizenship, and extensive experience with FPGA/Crypto integration, EVMS, and Agile methods. Onsite work in Cedar Rapids is required with opportunities to impact critical defense

Qualifications

• Active and transferable SECRET clearance required.
• US citizenship required for clearance eligibility.
• 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++.
• Ability to guide and lead software development processes.
• Experience with cost accounting (EVMS) and schedule management.
• Ability to motivate engineers in a high-performing team.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily activities and provide technical oversight of software engineers for embedded software in Agile SDR architectures.
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget using EVMS; escalate risks to upper management.
• Demonstrate predictable program execution and continuous improvement.
• Oversee engineering bids and proposals.
• Create and implement strategic workforce and staffing plans, including recruiting and career development.
• Ensure compliance with development processes and standard work.
• Collaborate across programs to identify efficiencies and share resources.
• Develop networks with stakeholders across RCP Engineering and government customers.

Skills

Security clearance

US citizenship

Cross-functional leadership

Embedded software

C++

EVMS

Agile

Education

STEM degree

8+ years experience (or 5+ with advanced degree)

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.

The Tactical Communications & Applications Solutions (TCAS) Software/Cyber department within the Mission Systems Resilient Connectivity Products (RCP) portfolio has the LOS (Line-of-Sight) / BLOS (Beyond LOS) waveform software team which specializes in developing flexible and secure military communication solutions. Our technologies provide our warfighters with the ability to communicate effectively, enabling them to accomplish their missions and return home safely.

We are seeking a service-oriented and challenge-driven Sr Software Engineering Manager with the leadership and technical skills to manage the engineering development and project execution of critical LOS and BLOS waveforms that will enable our warfighters to have tactical advantages in theater.This involves oversight of software engineering activities which design, develop, enhance, integrate, test, and maintain embedded waveform software applications.

At Collins Aerospace, you will work on cutting edge technology and contribute to programs that save lives and enable the freedoms we enjoy.

This position requires onsite presence in Cedar Rapids, IA.

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 You Must Have

• 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 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
• And more!

Relocation Eligibility

• Eligible for relocation

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.

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 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.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.