Principal Platform Software Engineer

RTX•Cedar Rapids, IA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Collins Aerospace’s Advanced Processing Architectures organization as a Principal Embedded Platform Software Engineer. The role influences the design, development, and integration of foundational software for secure, deterministic, high-performance next-generation avionics processing platforms. It defines technical direction across programs, shapes platform architecture, and guides development of early-boot, hardware bring-up, HAL, diagnostic, and platform-security components for advanced SoC- and ASIC-based systems. The engineer collaborates across systems, hardware, software, safety, and verification disciplines to address hardware/software challenges and ensure reliable platform behavior. The role also provides program-level technical leadership, improves engineering workflows, and develops the capabilities of the broader platform engineering community through mentorship and cross-team leadership.

Requirements

Typically requires a STEM degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and at least 5 years of experience.
Experience with at least two of the following: embedded C/C++ development; scripting languages such as Python or Perl for development or integration automation; embedded security or secure boot; software architecture design.
Experience developing embedded software for complex SoCs or custom ASIC-based systems, including board bring-up, diagnostics, or low-level driver/HAL development.
Experience with embedded RTOS environments such as VxWorks, Integrity, Green Hills, or Linux, including BSP integration and configuration.
Experience developing systems involving hardware, firmware, and software integration.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing, verifying, or certifying software to DO-178 B/C at high assurance levels or with similar rigor.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and follow through on complex tasks.
Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience with Agile methods, CI/CD pipelines, Git-based workflows, and automated test frameworks.
Ability to articulate technical intent and drive alignment across teams.
Ability to lead technical decision-making at a program level and evaluate multiple solution paths effectively.

Responsibilities

Lead program-level technical strategy for embedded platform software, including secure boot flows, early-boot initialization, SoC/ASIC bring-up, HAL frameworks, diagnostics, and platform security features.
Design software for complex embedded multiprocessor systems and develop solutions to challenging technical problems.
Guide system architecture and review software designs for technical soundness, maintainability, and alignment with program goals.
Define and improve development processes, workflows, and documentation practices across the program.
Oversee integration and technical evaluation of supplier-provided bootloaders, BSP components, and platform software deliverables.
Produce design artifacts, test procedures, integration guides, and internal training material.
Collaborate with systems, hardware, safety, and software teams to ensure reliable and repeatable platform behavior.
Use Agile development methods, automation tools, and continuous integration pipelines to support efficient, consistent software delivery.
Mentor engineers across P1–P3 levels and support the development of future technical leaders.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
401(k) plan with employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Student Loan Repayment Program.
Life insurance and disability coverage.
Optional pet, home and auto, additional life and accident, critical illness, group legal, and identity theft protection coverages.
Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning benefits.
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 may be available to eligible applicants.
Flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, paid time off, and holidays may be available, subject to business unit and agreement eligibility.
Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be available depending on position level and collective-bargaining coverage; payments are not guaranteed.