Sr Software Engineering Manager, Networking Technologies, Onsite

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks vacation for newly hired

401(k) plan with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Program

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Parental leave

Wellness program

Teladoc

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, is seeking a Sr Software Engineering Manager to lead embedded networking software development for defense applications. You will manage engineering teams, guide bids, and ensure adherence to Collins processes to deliver mission-critical solutions for warfighters.

The role requires an active DoD security clearance, 10+ years in software or an advanced degree with 7+ years, and hands-on experience with Rust and Python in embedded environments.

Qualifications

• Active DoD security clearance required.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams in software development/integration/test with FPGA and Crypto Module integration.
• Working knowledge of embedded software development and languages (Rust, Python) — or other memory-safe languages.
• Proven ability to guide and lead software development processes.
• Able to motivate engineers and maintain a high-performing team environment.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Typically requires STEM degree and 10+ years experience or advanced degree with 7+ years.

Responsibilities

• Balance people leadership with hands-on engineering work.
• Contribute to design, development, coding, testing, and debugging of embedded software.
• Conduct regular code reviews and coach on best practices.
• Demonstrate predictable program execution and continuous improvement.
• Oversee development of engineering bids and proposals.
• Ensure compliance with Collins Aerospace development processes.
• Collaborate across programs to improve efficiency and share resources.
• Build networks with stakeholders across RCP Engineering and government customers.

Skills

DoD security clearance

Cross-functional leadership

Embedded software development

Rust

Python

Agile methodologies

System integration

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree (MS/PhD)

Tools

FPGA integration

Crypto Module integration

ALM tool suite

SEER-SEM estimation modeling

EVMS

Job description

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: A Special Forces team spots two hostile trucks setting up an improvised transfer site. They fire a one‑second encrypted burst to a nearby AC‑130 flying in emissions silence.

The AC‑130 passes the burst through a timed satellite window, delivering coordinates to a theater mission cell. The cell pushes a micro‑update to Marine F‑35s on alert, using a frequency‑agile datalink that hops channels rapidly. An Army Electronic Warfare team adds a quick spectrum hash confirming the trucks are coordinating by radio.

Within under a minute, the fused picture is complete. The F‑35s execute a low‑visibility pass, collect precision geo‑data, and return a single encrypted pulse. A partner quick‑reaction force receives only the coordinates and moves in immediately. The adversaries never detect that five U.S. assets were networked so quickly.

Using Collins products, secure, time‑constrained networking made the tactical interdiction possible without compromising concealment or electronic signatures.

The Tactical Communications & Applications Solutions (TCAS) Software/Cyber department within the Mission Systems Resilient Connectivity Products (RCP) portfolio has the Networking Technologies software team which specializes in classified secure networking military communication solutions. Our technologies provide our warfighters 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 networking applications 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 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.

Security Clearance & Citizenship Requirements

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.

What You Will Do

• Balance people leadership responsibilities—such as performance management, hiring, and team development with active participation in day‑to‑day engineering work
• Drive technical execution by contributing hands‑on to the design, development, coding, testing, and debugging of embedded software
• Conduct regular code reviews and provide coaching to elevate code quality, engineering practices, and team skill growth
• Demonstrate predictable program execution and continuous improvement
• Oversee and participate in the development of engineering bids and proposals
• 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

• Must have an active US Department of Defense (DoD) 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 the Rust and Python programming language (or other memory safe languages)
• A proven ability to guide and lead software development processes
• 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 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 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 and platform integration Experience with cost account management (EVMS) and schedule management

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

Role Type Definitions

• 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.

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.

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.

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.