Principal Engineer, Software Engineering

Date posted: 2026-08-21 • Location: Cedar Rapids, IA • Onsite

About the role

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. Our Avionics team advances flight deck solutions, airborne communications, vision systems, sensors and fire protection for commercial and military customers around the world. That means we’re helping people reach their destination safely and keeping pilots, passengers, flight crews, airlines, airports and military personnel connected and informed.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, test and debug control and diagnostic systems of Avionics Safety Critical Embedded Software.
• Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with programs and projects in the planning, design, development and utilization of electronic data processing systems for datalink and aircraft communication systems.
• Develop project plans for programs or end users with cost, schedule, risk and opportunities.
• Determine end-user needs by analyzing system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, and input data acquisition.
• Ensure hardware and software standards are met.
• Design and implement build procedures that support hardware and software product development and use.
• Ensure compliance with DO-178C standards to meet certification objectives.
• Apply scientific principles to innovate, design, develop, and implement technologies, components, sub-systems, and systems to ensure compliance to specifications, requirements, and customer guarantees across datalink and aircraft communications.

Requirements

• Must possess at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field and at least 8 years of progressive experience as a Software Engineer or related role in the Aerospace/Defense industry.
• In the alternative, must possess at least a master’s degree or its equivalent in the same fields and at least 5 years of experience as a Software Engineer or related role in the Aerospace/Defense industry.
• At least 5 years of experience with development, verification, and certification of Real-time embedded Software and/or Flight Deck Avionics Systems.
• At least 5 years of experience capturing requirements in a requirements management tool, such as DOORs or JAMA.
• At least 5 years of experience following processes and standards related to the development of software (such as DO-178).
• At least 3 years of experience working on project plans for programs or end users with cost, schedule, risk and opportunities.
• At least 3 years of experience working closely with multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or authorized to work in the U.S. without company immigration sponsorship now or in the future. The company will not offer immigration sponsorship or seek an export authorization for this role.

Pay

The salary range is $135,803.00 to $204,500.00 USD per year. 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and 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
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs (eligibility dependent on role level and collective-bargaining status)