Principal Platform Software Engineer

RTX•Cedar Rapids, IA

1d•$107,500 - $204,500•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 teams developing early-boot, hardware bring-up, hardware abstraction layer (HAL), diagnostic, and platform-security components for advanced SoC- and ASIC-based systems. The position works across systems, hardware, software, safety, and verification disciplines to address hardware/software challenges and ensure reliable platform behavior. It also provides program-level technical leadership, improves development workflows, and mentors engineers. The role is onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and has no required security clearance. The company states it will offer immigration sponsorship if needed. The role typically requires a STEM degree and at least eight years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and at least five years of experience. The stated salary range is $107,500–$204,500. Eligible applicants may receive relocation assistance. Benefits described include insurance coverage, vacation, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement, leave and family-support programs, wellness resources, and other benefits.

Requirements

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and a minimum of 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/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 working 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 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 materials.
Collaborate with systems, hardware, safety, and software teams to ensure well-understood, repeatable, and reliable platform behavior.
Use Agile development methods, automation tools, and continuous integration pipelines to support efficient and consistent software delivery.
Mentor engineers across levels P1–P3 and support 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 coverage
Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits
Fertility and family-planning support
Adoption assistance
Autism benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Wellness rewards program
Virtual doctor visits
Child and elder care services
Medical second-opinion program
Relocation assistance for eligible applicants
Flexible spending accounts
Flexible work schedules
Employee Scholar Program
Paid time off and holidays
Potential annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation, subject to eligibility and applicable factors