Sr Software Engineer - Tactical Communications (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) plan with employer matching

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, is hiring a Senior Software Engineer to design and develop embedded software, networking, and communication products using C/C++ and Rust. You will contribute to requirements, implementation, testing, and certification, and may lead small teams while ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance.

You will gain technical leadership experience, collaborate with experts, and work with a multidisciplinary team to develop cross-functional skills, preparing you to

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Experience in the full software development lifecycle
• Experience with embedded software development
• Experience in Python and C/C++
• 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

Responsibilities

• YOU will design and develop cutting-edge embedded software, networking and communication products in C/C++ and Rust
• YOU will drive project success by directly contributing to requirements, implementation, test development, and certification
• YOU will lead initiatives and small teams
• YOU will guide your team: supporting cost, schedule and technical performance

Skills

Embedded SW

C/C++

Rust

Multithreading

Agile/Scrum

Networking protocols

Education

STEM degree (Bachelor’s)

Advanced degree (related field)

Tools

Git

Linux

Python

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-01 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: 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

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. At Collins Aerospace, we don t just build technology—we engineer mission success.

Our Resilient Connectivity Products software teams are on the front lines of innovation, designing and delivering cutting-edge embedded communication solutions that keep military forces around the world safe, connected, and informed—no matter the environment. We r looking for a Senior Software Engineer who s ready to make an impact. In this role, you won t just write code, you ll help shape the future of secure communications. From software-defined radios and advanced networking to state-of-the-art cryptographic systems, your work will drive critical real-time communications that enable pilots and soldiers to securely share voice, video, and data when it matters most. Here, you ll collaborate with top-tier engineers and industry experts, leveraging advanced technologies to push the boundaries of what s possible. Whether you re building trusted systems or breaking ground on new innovations, your contributions will directly support mission-critical operations across the globe. If you re passionate about solving complex challenges, excited by the idea of working on systems that truly matter and driven to grow alongside some of the brightest minds in the field—we want you on our team. Join Collins Aerospace Mission Systems and help us connect the battlespace of tomorrow!

What You Will Do

• YOU will design and develop cutting-edge embedded software, networking and communication products in C/C++ and Rust
• YOU will drive project success by directly contributing to requirements, implementation, test development, and certification
• YOU will lead initiatives and small teams
• YOU will guide your team: supporting cost, schedule and technical performance

What You Will Learn

• YOU will gain technical leadership experience and mentorship opportunities to develop talent for yourself and your peers
• YOU will collaborate with experts in the software discipline, obtaining hands-on experience with new and innovative technologies
• YOU will engage with a multidisciplinary team to develop a cross-functional skillset
• YOU will become a subject matter expert on your projects and programs

Qualifications You Must Have

• YOU will become a subject matter expert on your projects and programs
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Experience in the full software development lifecycle
• Experience with embedded software development
• Experience in Python and C/C++
• 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

We Prefer

• Active U.S. Department of Defense Clearance
• Experience with Linux development environments
• Experience with Git or other version control systems
• Experience with networking and communications protocols
• Experience with Rust programming language
• Experience with multithreading and containerization
• Comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments

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!
• Relocation Eligibility
• Eligible for relocation

Salary Range

86,800 USD - 165,200 USD

Location

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Recruitment and Application Process

* Please consider the following role type definitions 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. 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. Employee Referral Eligible #MISENG 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.

Additional Information

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.