Sr Software Engineer - Tactical Communications (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Collins Aerospace Mission Systems in Cedar Rapids is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design and develop embedded software, networking, and secure communications for mission-critical systems. You will contribute across requirements, implementation, testing, and certification while collaborating with top engineers on cutting-edge cryptographic and real-time communications.

You will lead initiatives and small teams, guiding cost, schedule and technical performance, and mentor peers in a

Qualifications

• Experience in embedded software development.
• Knowledge of C/C++, Python and software development lifecycle.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded software, networking and communications in C/C++ and Rust.
• Contribute to requirements, implementation, test development and certification.
• Lead initiatives and small teams; guide team performance and scheduling.

Skills

Embedded software development

C/C++

Python

Software development lifecycle

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Git

Linux

Networking protocols

Rust

Multithreading

Containerization

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’re 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 productsin 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

Qualifications 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 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

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.

This 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 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.

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As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attendselect 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.