Senior Principal Hardware Engineer Lead

Position Information

Date Posted: 2025-11-17

Country: United States of America

Location: MA802: Marlborough, MA Building 1, 1001 Boston Post Road, Marlborough, MA, 01752 USA

Role Type: Onsite

Security Clearance: DoD Clearance: Secret

Salary Range: $124,000 USD - $250,000 USD

Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required

About the Company

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, a leader in the aerospace and defense industry, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Principal Hardware Engineer Lead to join our Protected Communications Systems (PCS) team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the design, development, and implementation of advanced protected communication systems. This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of hardware engineering principles, as well as extensive experience in the secure communications domain.

What You Will Do

• Lead the hardware design and development efforts for protected communication systems, ensuring the highest levels of performance, reliability, and security
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software, systems, and test engineering to deliver integrated solutions that meet customer requirements
• Oversee the entire hardware development lifecycle, from concept through production and deployment, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence
• Oversee rigorous testing and validation of hardware components to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to drive continuous improvement and innovation in secure communication hardware
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to gather requirements, provide technical updates, and ensure satisfaction with delivered products

Qualifications You Must Have

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in hardware engineering, with a minimum of 7 years of hardware lead or control account manager (CAM) experience
• Proven track record of leading hardware development projects from concept to production
• Strong understanding of RF and microwave communication systems, including antennas, transceivers, and modulators/demodulators
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex hardware issues
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely
• Experience with the Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles and practices on externally reported programs including: estimates at complete (EACs) and latest reviews estimates (LRE), cost and schedule variance narratives, baseline change requests, etc.
• 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

• Experience with military and commercial secure communication standards and protocols
• Familiar with cybersecurity principles as they apply to hardware design and implementation
• Knowledge of environmental testing and qualification processes for communication hardware
• Previous experience working in a defense or aerospace company
• Active SECRET Security Clearance or HIGHER

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: 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
• This position is eligible for relocation assistance

Additional Information

Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to 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.

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.

Employee Referral Eligible

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 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.