Sr Software Engineer - Active Secret (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) with employer match

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, a RTX company, seeks a Senior Software Engineer focused on Mission Engineering to lead development for mission-critical software systems. You will design, implement, and optimize software for complex aerospace applications in a collaborative, onsite environment.

You will model and simulate mission scenarios, work with multi-disciplinary teams to define architecture, and ensure secure, compliant software delivery. A SECRET clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Active and transferable SECRET clearance required before start.
• STEM degree with 5+ years experience or advanced degree with 3+ years.
• Strong Python/C++ skills and modeling/simulation experience.
• Familiar with Agile/DevSecOps/CI/CD and relevant tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement mission-critical software systems and tools.
• Model, simulate, and evaluate mission scenarios for software solutions.
• Define software requirements and architecture with multidisciplinary teams.
• Implement and optimize algorithms for mission planning and system performance.
• Lead software integration, testing, and verification efforts.
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure compliance with processes and cybersecurity standards.

Skills

Mission engineering

Software development

Modeling & simulation

MBSE

Team leadership

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Python

C++

Simulink

STK

Git

GitLab

JIRA

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-30 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-179 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 179 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

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Software Engineer with a focus on Mission Engineering to join our team. In this role, you will lead the development of software solutions to support mission‑critical systems and architectures.

What You Will Do:

• Design, develop, and implement mission‑critical software systems, tools, and applications.
• Perform mission analysis and develop software solutions to model, simulate, and evaluate mission scenarios.
• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams to define software requirements and architecture for mission systems.
• Implement and optimize algorithms for mission planning, decision support, and system performance analysis.
• Develop and maintain software tools for modeling and simulation of mission environments (e.g., AFSIM, RCADE, C++, Python).
• Perform software integration and testing to ensure system functionality and reliability.
• Support software verification and validation efforts to meet mission objectives and requirements.
• Lead trade studies, technical reviews, and risk assessments for software‑focused mission engineering tasks.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in software development and mission engineering.
• Ensure compliance with RTX software engineering processes, cybersecurity standards, and best practices.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience.
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued SECRET security clearance is required prior to start date.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar.
• Experience with software modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Simulink, STK, or similar).
• Familiarity with software development processes (e.g., Agile, DevSecOps, CI/CD) and tools (e.g., Git, Gitlab, JIRA).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a secret U.S. Government security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience developing software for aerospace, defense, or mission‑critical systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on mission‑driven software solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or optimization algorithms for mission applications.
• Experience working with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Previous experience working with government or military customers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage complex software projects.

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
• Eligible for relocation assistance

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.

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.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

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.

If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

This role is a U.S.-based role.