Senior Principal Systems Engineer

• Air Combat Training (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-02-16
Country: United States of America
Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-121 ~ 350 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 121
Position Role Type: Onsite
Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret
Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

Requirements

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

About the Role

The Air Combat Test & Training (ACTT) Department within Mission Systems is committed to enhancing training capability and realism, enabling U.S. warfighters and international partners to "train like you fight." Our ACTT engineering team develops state-of-the-art cryptographic, datalink, networking, and command and control systems that support threat and weapon simulations. These advanced systems allow military pilots to practice combat maneuvers in the air without the risks or cost associated with firing live weapons. We specialize in designing secure Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) systems, guiding them from concept through accreditation, production, and installation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the creator and keeper of system development plans, processes, and technical vision throughout the system development lifecycle
• Lead the team in creating and maintaining system designs, technical performance measures, interface definitions, requirements, analyses, trade studies, and other documentation in an agile environment
• Present technical solutions, progress, and findings to leadership and customers during design reviews and technical meetings
• Build strong relationships and communicate effectively with multi-disciplinary team members, engineering leadership, program management, and customers
• Plan, manage, and communicate project cost, schedule, and risk
• Guide and influence across multiple programs/projects
• Travel a few times per year

Required Qualifications

• 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 or in absence of a degree, 14 years of relevant experience
• Must have or be capable of obtaining a US Department of Defense (DoD) Secret or above security clearance
• Experience with the systems development process, including requirements, design, integration, test, and documentation of systems, subsystems, or software
• Experience making decisions that impact cost, schedule, and technical performance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a customer-facing role
• Subject Matter Expert in military networking, communication, navigation, cybersecurity, or encryption systems or avionics data buses
• Experience with the manufacturing and production of complex avionics
• Background as a Control Account Manager (CAM) using earned value management
• Experience developing technical proposals and leading bids and pursuits
• Outstanding communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
• Strong mentoring skills, both technically and professionally
• Experience leading in a Scaled Agile environment using Jira tracking
• Familiarity with US export regulations: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• Proficient working with requirements in DOORS
• Experience with Model-Based Design (MBD)/Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools like Cameo, Simulink, or SysML
• Currently hold a security clearance or have held one within the past two years

Location Details

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has evolved from its agricultural roots into a vibrant community perfect for living, working, and playing. With over 275,000 residents, the area provides a rich array of arts, entertainment, dining, and shopping options. Despite this, the cost of living is 10% less than the national average and most commutes are under 20 minutes. The city's cultural scene comes alive with performances at the Alliant Energy Power House arena, outdoor Mc Grath Amphitheatre, and historic Paramount Theatre. Sports fans can feel the excitement of Big Ten games at the nearby University of Iowa or cheer on local minor league teams. The region boasts extensive trails, parks, golf courses, and waterways for various outdoor recreation opportunities. This thriving city also stands out for excellent schools, top-tier hospitals, enriching museums, and a calendar packed with fun festivals and fairs. Cedar Rapids is a dynamic and welcoming community that offers the perfect blend of affordability and a high quality of life, making it an ideal place to call home.

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.

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 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
• Eligible for relocation assistance
• And more!

Role Type

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.

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: 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