Principal Network Systems Engineer- Active Secret (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-08-13 | Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (Onsite) | U.S. citizenship and an active, transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance are required prior to start.

About the Role

Applied Research & Technology (ART) is seeking an experienced Principal Network Systems Engineer with a background in government networks and data flows to lead the integration, testing, and field demonstration of advanced mission-critical systems for military customers. In this role, you will serve as a key technical leader during customer engagements, onsite field events, and complex multi-domain integration activities. The ideal candidate brings deep experience operating in secure environments and excels in fast-paced, hands-on operational settings where real-world performance and mission success are paramount.

As a key member of the JADC2 Experimentation, Demonstration & Integration (JEDI) Team, you’ll help customers envision the future battlespace through demonstrations and experimentation that create demand and drive early advantage for Connected Battlespace implementation. You’ll work at the forefront of emerging technology to:

• Identify, prioritize, and rapidly mature emerging capabilities that address evolving mission needs.
• Influence key customer requirements and validate innovative solutions through experimentation, integration, and real-world demonstrations.
• Create new opportunities and drive early competitive advantage, increasing the probability of win (Pwin) for Collins technical proposals.

Responsibilities

• Lead system network integration, configuration, and demonstration activities for Mission Systems products across air, ground, maritime, or multi-domain applications.
• Plan and execute field demonstrations, platform integrations, and customer events at various security levels (e.g., Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified, Secret, and above as required).
• Diagnose and resolve integration issues spanning networking configurations, hardware interfaces, embedded software, communications systems, and mission-system components.
• Develop integration plans, demonstration objectives, configuration documentation, and post-event technical reports suitable for military programs and security-controlled environments.
• Ensure adherence to security policies related to handling classified material, secure labs, and secure field operations.
• Mentor junior and mid-level integration engineers, promoting disciplined integration practices aligned with team standards.
• Represent Collins Aerospace in high-visibility mission-effectiveness events, capability demonstrations, and customer engagements requiring technical leadership and professional communication.
• Travel up to 30%, including to customer sites, test ranges, and field demonstration locations.

Requirements

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start date.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
• Extensive experience in Mission Systems, aerospace, defense, or military-relevant system integration roles.
• Demonstrated experience working across multiple security domains and adhering to classified information handling, security, and safeguarding procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to brief military customers and translate complex technical concepts.
• Demonstrated success leading integration and demonstration activities for military systems or in secure operational environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across embedded systems, hardware interfaces, networking, and secure communications technologies.
• Experience supporting military platform integration (airborne, ground, maritime, or C2 systems).
• Familiarity with secure lab operations, classified networks, and cross-domain solutions.
• Background in systems engineering, real-time embedded software, mission networking, or advanced avionics architectures.
• Prior experience delivering high-visibility capability demonstrations to military customers or senior stakeholders.

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, and 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.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $107,500 – $204,500 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.