Principal Embedded Software Test Lead

Position Information

Date Posted: 2026-01-30

Country: United States of America

Location: US-TX-RICHARDSON-461 ~ 3200 E Renner Rd ~ RENNER BLDG 461

Role Type: Onsite

Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

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

About the Role

Are you looking to make a meaningful, positive impact while advancing your career? Embark on a journey where your expertise in software engineering will help shape the future of aerospace technology. At Collins Aerospace, we're not just designing software; we're crafting the backbone of mission-critical systems within a Special Access Program (SAP) and safeguarding the lives of those who protect us. As our next Principal Embedded Software Test Lead, you'll immerse yourself in Strategic Nuclear Deterrence, bringing your acumen to the forefront of innovation and ensuring the efficacy and security of systems that are vital to national defense. You do not have to have previous comms or nuclear experience; we will provide the training and tools to help grow the skills you will need to become a subject matter expert. You will learn from the best and brightest in the comms and nuclear deterrence domain working at Collins Aerospace. This is an onsite position based in Richardson, Texas.

Responsibilities

• Develop software test plans, procedures, and standards in line with program requirements
• Conduct performance, stress, regression, and fault tolerance testing for embedded applications
• Define and own the overall software verification strategy for embedded systems
• Assess risks and determine test coverage to ensure system safety, performance, and compliance
• Lead software verification and qualification efforts in alignment with rigorous program and contractual requirements
• Lead integration and validation efforts across complex embedded systems, ensuring functionality, stability, and compliance throughout all development phases
• Assign and track tasks for the software test team, ensuring on-time delivery aligned with program schedule
• Serve as technical authority on embedded software methodologies, tools, and frameworks
• Provide guidance to software test engineers
• Mentor and coach early-career and mid-level engineers
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including systems, hardware, quality, and program management, to ensure cohesive execution and timely issue resolution
• Design and implement automated test scripts
• Perform debugging and root cause analysis
• Lead audits and certification reviews
• Act as primary liaison between the software test team and higher-level program leadership
• Present test readiness reviews, verification status, and risk assessments to leadership, customers, and certification bodies

What You Will Learn

• You will learn and grow knowledge within the Strategic Nuclear Deterrence domain
• Applying fault injection, robustness testing, and stress testing in safety and mission-critical systems
• How to implement independence in testing (IV&V) for the highest Design Assurance Levels
• Mastery of DO-178C and other defense software assurance standards
• Developing automation frameworks that integrate with secure CI/CD pipelines in highly restricted environments
• Critical thinking under high stakes
• You will become a subject matter expert and leader in communication technologies with exposure to the variety of business and products in an ever-evolving field. We are growing, so can you.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued secret security clearance is required prior to starting
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), including development, debugging, and performance optimization of embedded software applications
• Knowledge of test planning, procedures, and analysis aligned with system requirements
• Experience leading designing and executing end-to-end test campaigns, including integration, system-level, and formal qualification testing
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or nuclear command-and-control systems governed by standards such as DO-178C, MIL-STD-498, or equivalent
• Previous professional experience with structured development lifecycles, test methodologies, requirements analysis, and change/configuration management in compliance-driven environments

Qualifications We Prefer

• Exposure to Earned Value Management (EVM) and understanding of how test progress integrates into broader program performance metrics
• Ability to lead small teams and report status to management
• Good communication skills and the ability to tailor presentations to audiences at all levels
• Background in hardware-software integration, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, or working within real-time embedded environments
• Familiarity with test automation frameworks, test management suites, defect tracking tools, and requirements management platforms
• Foundational understanding of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices and tools, including exposure to architecture models and interface control documents

Benefits

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 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!

About Collins Aerospace

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.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibilities. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again. Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day.

Additional Information

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.

Salary Range: $107,500 USD - $204,500 USD