Sr. Systems Engineer – Avionics Computing Products (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Senior Equipment Systems Engineer to design and deliver avionics computing, graphics, and networking hardware. You will transform system requirements into equipment-level designs and lead cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, high-quality solutions.

Role involves architecture definition, verification and validation, and collaboration with software, hardware, and test teams. Onsite role with opportunities to shape next-gen avionics.

Qualifications

• Typically requires STEM degree and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• 5–8 years in systems engineering with aerospace or avionics focus.
• Expertise in avionics systems, architectures, and regulatory standards.
• Experience with DOORS or similar requirements tools.
• Experience with Git/SVN/ClearCase for configuration management.
• Experience with automated test tools and scripting (Python, VectorCAST, LabVIEW).
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Shape the equipment-level requirements and designs from system specs.
• Architect and validate computing, graphics, and network system architectures.
• Lead technical efforts, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation.
• Conduct trade studies, risk assessments, and failure mode analyses.
• Lead verification and validation of equipment systems per ARP4754B and DO-178.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, test, and manufacturing teams.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to deliver solutions.

Skills

Avionics systems

Systems engineering

Multicore SoC

Python scripting

Agile methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree

Tools

DOORS

Git

SVN

ClearCase

VectorCAST

LabVIEW

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-131 ~ 5450 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 131

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-131 ~ 5450 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 131

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The company will offer immigration sponsorship for this position, if needed. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role.

Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status: Not Required

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.

Are you ready to take to the skies with us?

As a Sr. Equipment Systems Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of designing and delivering high-performance avionics computing, graphics, and networking equipment. From concept to certification, you’ll ensure our systems are reliable, innovative, and exceed customer expectations. You’ll collaborate with teams, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to projects that redefine the future of aviation.

What You Will Do:

• Shape the Future: Craft equipment-level requirements and designs, transforming system-level specifications into innovative, real-world solutions.
• Architect Excellence: Design and validate computing, graphics, and network system architectures that seamlessly integrate hardware, software, and cutting-edge technologies.
• Lead with Impact: Drive technical efforts, mentor junior engineers, and inspire a culture of innovation and excellence within the team.
• Solve Complex Problems: Conduct trade studies, risk assessments, and failure mode analyses to ensure robust, high-performing designs.
• Deliver with Precision: Lead the verification and validation of equipment systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards like ARP4754B and DO-178.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with software, hardware, test, and manufacturing teams to deliver seamless integration and high-quality outcomes.
• Engage with Stakeholders: Interface directly with customers and stakeholders, turning their challenges into solutions that exceed expectations.

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
• 5-8 years of experience in systems engineering, with a strong track record in aerospace or avionics.
• Expertise in avionics systems, architectures, and regulatory standards.
• Proficiency in Systems Engineering Tools:
• Requirements Management: Hands-on experience with DOORS (or similar tools like Jama) for capturing, tracking, and validating requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
• Configuration Management: Knowledge of tools like Git, SVN, or ClearCase for managing design data and ensuring version control.
• Validation Tools: Experience with tools for automated test case generation, scripting, and test execution (e.g., Python, VectorCAST, or NI LabVIEW).
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• A sharp problem-solving mindset, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for quality and innovation.
• Strong understanding of System-on-Chip architecture involving multicore configurations.
• Strong communication skills—whether you’re explaining technical details to a customer or inspiring your team, your message lands.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience with ARP4754A/B, DO-297, DO-178C, DO-254, and/or DO-160 standards.
• Experience with Multicore processor development and certification under AC20-193.
• Familiarity with configuration management and version control tools, such as Git and/or Subversion
• Experience with Advanced Systems Engineering Tools
• Use of AI within the Systems Engineering Design, Test, and Validation development.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Experience with tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, Enterprise Architect, or Rhapsody to create and manage system models, analyze system behavior, and validate design consistency.
• Simulation and Analysis: Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink or similar tools to perform system-level simulations and trade studies.
• Hands-on experience with avionics equipment-level testing and environmental qualification.
• Experience with Agile Methodologies:
• Agile Frameworks: Practical experience with agile frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, or SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) to manage and deliver systems engineering projects in an iterative, flexible, and transparent manner.
• Agile Tools: Familiarity with agile project management tools like JIRA, Trello, or Azure DevOps to manage backlogs, track progress, and facilitate sprint planning, retrospectives, and daily stand-ups.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in cross-functional agile teams, including software, hardware, and test engineers, to iteratively refine requirements and design solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Focused on driving continuous improvement in processes and outcomes by embracing agile principles like frequent releases, rapid feedback, and adjusting based on customer needs and evolving priorities.
• Agile Testing: Experience in test-driven development (TDD), automated testing, and delivering incremental, validated system components as part of the agile process.

What We Offer:

Benefits: Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• 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!

This role may be eligible for relocation.

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.

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 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.