Principal Software Engineer

Job Information

Date Posted: 2025-12-02

Country: United States of America

Location: HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA
400 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52498-0505 USA

Position Role Type: Onsite

Security Clearance: DoD Clearance: Secret

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

About the Role

At Collins Aerospace, we don't just build technology—we engineer mission success. Our Communication Systems 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 Principal 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 on 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!

Responsibilities

• Architect cutting-edge embedded software and communication products
• Lead large efforts in complex, multi-threaded embedded software in C, C++ and Rust
• Drive project success by serving as an expert to requirements, implementation, test development, and certification
• Lead initiatives and teams
• Guide your team, supporting cost, schedule and technical performance

Learning Opportunities

• Gain technical leadership experience and mentorship opportunities to develop talent for yourself and your peers
• Collaborate with experts in the software discipline, obtaining hands-on experience with new and innovative technologies
• Engage with a multidisciplinary team to develop a cross-functional skillset
• Become a subject matter expert for our software domain, as well as on projects and programs

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and 8 years of prior relevant experience OR an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
• 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
• Experience in the full software development lifecycle
• 5 years of experience with embedded software development
• 5 years of experience in C++ or C
• Experience with Linux development environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Rust
• Experience with Git or other version control systems
• Experience with multithreading
• Experience with networking and communications protocols
• Experience with software containerization
• Comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments

Benefits

• 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 including 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
• And more!

Additional Information

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.

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.

Compensation

Salary Range: $101,000 USD - $203,000 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.

Equal Opportunity

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 reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.