Sr Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-07-31 | Location: Aurora, CO (16430 E Hughes Dr, BLDG S76) | Onsite role

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.

About the Role

As part of the Software Engineering Directorate’s (SWE) Effectors Center (EC) team at RTX, you will be an integral part of developing mission-critical embedded real-time software for next-generation autonomous avionics systems. This technical position works within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) to architect, design, implement, test, debug, and deploy software for firmware (FPGA) and hardware solutions. You will collaborate with cross-discipline teams to ensure embedded software reliably operates toward intended functions, using Lean and/or Agile practices.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, implement, test, and debug integrated embedded real-time software within heterogeneous systems composed of firmware and hardware.
• Work within a cross-discipline team to define, refine, and improve product concepts, implementation, testability, and measurable quality.
• Teach, coach, and mentor less experienced staff.
• Contribute to proposals as well as preliminary and critical design reviews.
• Develop, test, and integrate software for edge or embedded devices/subsystems where hardware operation, time-critical functions, reliability, mission assurance, and safety are major concerns.

Requirements

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience.
• Experience in at least two of the following: Embedded C++ Software, Embedded Software Security, Software Architecture Design and Implementation.
• Experience using embedded Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) (e.g., Green Hills, Integrity, Wind River VxWorks, Linux).
• Experience developing complex systems involving hardware, firmware, and software integration.
• Active and transferable final Secret U.S. government-issued security clearance required prior to start date, with the ability to obtain program access afterward.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with rate monotonic theory, practice, and limitations.
• Familiarity with layered architectural principles and their limitations.
• Familiarity with reading electrical schematics and relating them to software function.
• Familiarity with reading firmware source like VHDL or Verilog.
• Familiarity with assembly language in at least one processor/controller family.
• Experience using lab instruments like power supplies, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Experience developing device drivers for bare-metal and/or OS applications.
• Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems involving hardware and software integration.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short/long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, and flexible work schedules.
• Employee assistance program and Employee Scholar Program.
• Parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs (eligibility dependent on role and collective-bargaining agreements).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $132,400 – $251,600 USD. The range reflects all experience levels, with consideration for role, function, responsibilities, work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Location

This onsite role is located at RTX’s campus in Aurora, CO, surrounded by 91 miles of hiking trails, including the High Line Canal Trail. Aurora offers parks, golf courses, wildlife habitats, cultural centers, and proximity to Denver.