Sr Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Prattwhitney; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 132,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Short-term Disability

Long-term Disability

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

Flexible work schedules

Employee Scholar Program

Parental leave

Paid time off

Holidays

Incentive programs

Job summary

RTX in Aurora, CO is seeking a Senior Principal Embedded Real-Time Software Developer/Integrator to architect, implement, test, and deploy software for firmware and hardware in autonomous avionics systems. You will work within an IPT with Lean/Agile practices to ensure reliable operation.

The role requires a degree in STEM and 10+ years of experience in embedded C++, RTOS, and hardware/software integration; active, transferrable Secret clearance is required to start and you must be able to

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with 10+ years of experience.
• Experience with embedded C++ software, RTOS, and hardware/software integration.
• Active and transferrable U.S. government Secret clearance required to start.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, implement, test, debug, and deploy embedded real‑time software for firmware and hardware.
• Work with cross‑discipline IPT to improve concepts, implementation, and testability with Lean/Agile practices.
• Mentor less experienced staff and participate in design reviews.

Skills

Embedded C++

RTOS

Software architecture

Device drivers

System integration

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Green Hills RTOS

Wind River VxWorks

Linux

Verilog/VHDL

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-12 Country: United States of America Location: US-CO-AURORA-S76 ~ 16430 E Hughes Dr ~ BLDG S76 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. Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

The Software organization develops software applications, including integration and test on missiles, launchers, radars, naval systems, fire control and other complex systems. Our precision software and firmware integrate operating systems, device drivers, networking, and control software to bring together sensor, guidance, and flight control processing features to complete the mission. The Software org is made up of several Centers located across the country, responsible for all aspects of the software development lifecycle. Our 4000+ software engineers design, develop, and build innovative solutions for our customers. Join our fast-paced agile teams on the leading edge of technology.

As part of the Software Engineering Directorate’s (SWE) Effectors Center (EC) team, you will be an integral part of helping Raytheon further our vision to be the global leader in core and next‑generation weapon and security solutions. By any measure, Raytheon is an exciting and rewarding place to work. We pride ourselves on developing mission-driven, world‑class talent. The result is a workforce that takes pride in the company and consistently delivers superior solutions. Our Senior Principal Embedded Real‑Time Software Developer/Integrator is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to architect, design, implement, test, debug, and deploy Software for Firmware (FPGA) and Hardware solutions that meet current and next generation autonomous avionics systems’ needs. Working with a cross‑discipline team, the candidate must have experience developing, testing, and integrating software for edge or embedded devices and/or subsystems (like telecom, medical, IoT, automotive, or robotics) where hardware operation, time critical function, functional reliability, mission assurance, and safety might be major concerns. The successful candidate will work with Product Owners, Chief Engineers, Management and other IPT members using Lean and/or Agile practices to ensure that embedded software is designed and developed to reliably operate toward the intended functions. This position is within the Effectors Center of the Software organization, and is an onsite role located in Aurora, CO.

What You Will Do

Architecting, designing, implementing, testing, and debugging integrated embedded real‑time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware. Working within a cross‑discipline team to define, refine, and improve product concept, implementation, testability, and guaranteed, measurable quality. Teaching, coaching, and mentoring less experienced staff. Contributing to proposals as well as preliminary and critical design reviews. Ability to obtain program access.

What You Will Learn

Working across a product line in collaboration with other teams.

Qualifications

You Must Have Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience. Experience including at least two of the following: Embedded C++ Software, Embedded Software Security, Software Architecture Design and Implementation. Experience using embedded Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) (e.g., Green Hills, Integrity, Wind River VxWorks, Linux, etc.) Experience developing complex systems involving the integration of hardware, firmware, and software Active and transferrable final Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain program access after start.

Qualifications We Prefer

Familiarity with rate monotonic theory, practice, and limitations. Familiarity with layered architectural principles, and their limitations. Familiarity with reading electrical schematics and relating it to software function. Familiarity with reading firmware source like VHDL or Verilog. Familiarity with assembly language in at least one processor/controller family. Experience using lab instruments like power‑supplies, digital multi‑meters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers. Experience with developing device drivers for bare‑metal and/or OS applications. Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the integration of hardware and software.

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 Offered Based On Eligibility

Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role: 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.

Clearance Information

This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

Location Information

This position is an onsite role at our campus in spectacular Aurora, CO. The campus is surrounded by 91 miles of walking and hiking trails, including the nearby High Line Canal Trail. As Colorado's third largest city after Denver and Colorado Springs, Aurora is also the most multi‑faceted with over 100 parks, six public golf courses, wildlife habitats, historical structures, conservation centers, landmarks, art centers, libraries, shopping malls, and cultural centers “Raytheon In Aurora”: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-aurora-co-location “ “About Aurora”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtkOk5ocTvA 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.

• 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
• holidays
• 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.

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.