Sr. Systems Security (Cyber) Engineer (Onsite - Cedar Rapids, IA) Secret Clearance Required

Date Posted: 2026-08-10
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (Onsite)
U.S. citizenship is required. An active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start date, with the ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.

About the Role

Join the Strategic Solutions Security Engineering team at Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, as a Senior Systems Security (Cybersecurity) Engineer. This role involves developing solutions to secure the Warfighter’s technology advantage by leveraging disciplines such as Anti-Tamper (AT), Software Assurance, Hardware Assurance, Cryptography, NSA Type 1 Certification, and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM). Relocation assistance is available.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of Risk Management Framework (RMF) artifacts and security control validation activities to obtain and maintain an Authority to Operate (ATO).
• Review proposed system changes and evaluate their cybersecurity impact to ensure modifications do not adversely affect system security or accreditation.
• Perform vulnerability assessments, analyze findings, develop mitigation strategies, and document remediation plans.
• Implement and validate security improvements by assessing system configurations, identifying vulnerabilities, and applying security best practices.
• Develop cybersecurity requirements, system security architecture documentation, boundary diagrams, data flow diagrams, hardware/software inventories, and supporting RMF documentation.
• Perform Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) implementation, compliance validation, and remediation using tools such as Evaluate STIG, STIG Viewer, and SCAP Compliance Checker.
• Conduct vulnerability scanning using Tenable Security Center (Tenable.sc) and Nessus, analyze results, and coordinate remediation efforts.
• Provide hands-on Linux systems administration and cybersecurity support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and other Linux distributions, including:
  • Network connectivity (DNS, routing, firewalls, interfaces, VLANs, bonding, SSH)
  • System services (systemd)
  • User authentication (LDAP, SSSD, PAM)
  • SELinux policy issues
  • Storage, file systems, permissions, and process management
  • Log analysis using journalctl, rsyslog, auditd, and security logs
• Perform cybersecurity troubleshooting on Linux systems by:
  • Validating secure configurations
  • Reviewing running services and open ports
  • Analyzing firewall configurations (firewalld/iptables/nftables)
  • Verifying certificates and encryption configurations
  • Investigating authentication failures and audit events
  • Supporting incident response and forensic data collection
• Troubleshoot network communication using the OSI Model and standard Linux networking tools (ping, traceroute, tcpdump, netstat/ss, nmcli, ip, dig, nslookup, curl, wget).
• Collaborate with Software Engineers, Systems Engineers, ISSOs, and Program Managers to integrate cybersecurity requirements into system designs.
• Develop technical mitigation statements, risk acceptance packages, and executive-level documentation supporting RMF assessments.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, procedures, and cybersecurity artifacts throughout the program lifecycle.

What You Will Learn

• Gain niche skills to become a more effective Systems Security Engineer and leader.
• Develop expertise in cybersecurity within VLF technologies and exposure to a variety of businesses and products in an evolving field.
• Opportunities for growth and leadership within a dynamic team.

Requirements

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field with a minimum of 3 years of experience.
• Active and transferable Secret U.S. government-issued security clearance required prior to start date, with the ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
• Experience in Security Technical Implementation Guidance (STIG) and Risk Management Framework (RMF).
• Experience with Systems Engineering requirements/specifications.
• Experience implementing DoD and Federal IA Certification and Accreditation Processes, IA controls, and developing/maintaining associated documentation.
• Experience with vulnerability scanning tools such as Tenable Security Center, STIG Viewer, and SCAP Compliance Checker/Tools.
• Experience with Linux commands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active and transferable U.S. government-issued DoD Top Secret security clearance.
• DoDI 8570.01-M IAT Level-II Compliant Certification (e.g., Security+, CISSP, or equivalent).
• Experience with Program Protection Plans (PPP) DoDI 5000.02 and DoDI 5200.39.
• Experience implementing highly technical solutions and reporting their importance to program managers and stakeholders.

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 and 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 $86,800 - $165,200 USD.