Sr Software Engineering Manager, Tactical Communication Waveforms, Onsite

Date Posted: 2026-08-18 • Location: Cedar Rapids, IA • Onsite role • U.S. citizenship required for security clearance

About the role

Picture this real-world scenario: It’s August 2026, and tensions are at an all-time high in the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. Navy Destroyer (USS Reliant) is navigating the narrow 21-mile-wide channel when an F-16 pilot (Viper 1) detects three Iranian fast-attack craft accelerating toward the ship in a "swarm" formation. Using Collins tactical radios, Viper 1 switches to a secure, frequency-hopping, tactical waveform to relay critical, encrypted communications that bypass Iranian jamming, enabling the destroyer to activate close-in weapons systems and prevent a wider conflict.

The Tactical Communications & Applications Solutions (TCAS) Software/Cyber department within the Mission Systems Resilient Connectivity Products (RCP) portfolio specializes in developing flexible and secure military communication solutions. Our LOS (Line-of-Sight) / BLOS (Beyond LOS) waveform software team provides warfighters with the ability to communicate effectively, enabling them to accomplish their missions and return home safely.

We are seeking a service-oriented and challenge-driven Sr Software Engineering Manager to lead the engineering development and project execution of critical LOS and BLOS waveforms. This role involves oversight of software engineering activities that design, develop, enhance, integrate, test, and maintain embedded waveform software applications.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily activities and provide technical oversight of software engineers, project engineers, and support organizations in an Agile development environment for software-defined radio architectures
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget for software engineering activities using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) performance measurement; manage project risks/issues and elevate to upper management when appropriate
• Demonstrate predictable program execution and continuous improvement
• Oversee and participate in the development of engineering bids and proposals
• Create and implement strategic workforce and staffing plans to meet business objectives, including recruiting/hiring, employee performance management, and career development
• Ensure compliance with Collins Aerospace development processes and standard work requirements
• Collaborate across programs and engineering teams to identify efficiencies, share resources, and support best practices; communicate objectives and status to diverse audiences
• Develop and nurture internal and external networks, ensuring alignment and transparency with stakeholders, peers across RCP Engineering, Value Stream Leadership, and government customers

Requirements

• Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams in software development, integration, and test with FPGA and Crypto Module integration
• Working knowledge of embedded software development and C++
• Proven ability to guide and lead software development processes
• Experience with cost account management (EVMS) and schedule management
• Able to motivate and challenge engineers while maintaining a high-performing team environment
• Experience with Agile development methodologies
• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years of relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree with minimum 7 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with software-defined radio architectures, networking communications waveforms, bid narrative write-ups, earned value reporting, configuration management tools, ALM tool suite, SEER-SEM estimation modeling tool, and wireless technologies
• Direct involvement in Agile methodologies as a Product Owner, Scrum Master, or Release Train Engineer, with demonstrated success in managing Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, backlog grooming, and cross-team coordination
• High-level understanding of systems, cryptographic, and FPGA engineering, as well as hardware development
• Domain knowledge in network communications, datalinks, and platform integration
• Currently hold a Secret (or above) security clearance or have held one within the past two years

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

Pay

The salary range for this role is $132,400 – $251,600 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.