Principal Software Lead Engineer - Embedded Communications (ONSITE)

Date Posted: 2026-08-04
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS- C Ave NE BLDG 130)
This is an onsite role requiring U.S. citizenship and an active, transferable Secret security clearance prior to start date.

About the Role

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. The Integrated Secure Processing Solutions (SPS) team is seeking a Principal Software Lead Engineer to collaborate with high-performance teams and create mission-critical solutions supporting Mission Systems. Our Principal Software Engineers work in an adaptive, engaging environment, enabling rapid learning and driving success.

Responsibilities

• Drive Embedded Software Engineering Excellence: Demonstrate expert proficiency in embedded C/C++ and Python throughout all phases of software development, ensuring high-quality, reliable solutions that meet functional and performance requirements.
• Lead Technical Proposals and Program Cost Estimations: Develop technical proposals, including detailed program-level cost estimates, during the bid and proposal cycle to ensure competitive and accurate submissions aligned with project goals.
• Lead and Coordinate Software Execution for Small Teams: Manage software development execution for smaller teams, ensuring technical quality, alignment with program cost and schedule, and fostering a collaborative, results-driven environment.
• Translate Customer Requirements into Comprehensive Solutions: Leverage expertise to translate customer requirements into end-to-end system solutions, addressing technical, schedule, and cost constraints while ensuring scalability and practicality.
• Manage Program Cost, Schedule, and Risk: Estimate, track, and communicate program performance metrics, including cost, schedule, and risk, in alignment with earned value management to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Proactively Identify and Mitigate Risks: Use technical expertise and best practices to identify potential risks early in the development process and take proactive measures to mitigate issues.

Requirements

• Experience with Cost Account Management over a team of engineers.
• Experience with Integrated Master Schedule for multi-year programs.
• Experience with Risk/Opportunity frameworks to manage complex program execution for schedule and cost constraints.
• Experience with Product Owner duties, scope management, and backlog management.
• Active and transferable SECRET security clearance required prior to start date.
• U.S. citizenship is required (only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance).
• 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.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with multi-threaded real-time embedded applications.
• Prior experience leading proposals and bidding exercises utilizing the SEER parametric estimation tool.
• Experience with Agile development methodology.
• Experience with technical leadership in an Agile team framework.
• Experience in TCP/IP network applications development.
• Experience in UML.
• Background and/or knowledge of cross-domain solutions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with 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.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $107,500 USD - $204,500 USD. The range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including role, function, responsibilities, work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.