Principal Software Engineer - Advanced System Tools (Onsite)

RTX•Cedar Rapids, IA

3d•$107,500 - $204,500•Onsite

About The Position

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for its Advanced Systems Tools department. The role supports development of the tools ecosystem—including development kits, virtual rigs, and test rigs—that enables the development, integration, verification, and configuration of avionics products and platforms. The engineer will lead architecture and development of software components, libraries, rigs, and tools that enable scalable, certifiable avionics platforms. The position spans the software lifecycle and involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions aligned with civil and military certification standards. The engineer will influence system-level design, support open architecture initiatives, and contribute to technologies for future aerospace systems. The role is primarily onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and requires domestic and international travel as needed, estimated at less than 10%. U.S. citizenship is required; security clearance is not required.

Requirements

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 designing and developing software architecture, libraries, or platform-level components.
Experience leading technical execution of projects, including customer engagement and presentations to senior stakeholders.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience supporting DO-178 software development and certification activities, such as requirements, verification, or certification artifacts.
Experience working across cross-functional engineering and program teams to deliver complex, integrated solutions.
Experience with C++ and VxWorks.
Experience with cloud-based development environments such as AWS.
Experience with AI-based tools and development practices.
Experience writing high-level and low-level requirements.
Experience writing test cases and automated test procedures.
Experience with civil certification DO-178 at DAL A.
Experience designing and developing avionics tools, aircraft applications, or middleware.
Familiarity with revision control concepts and tools such as Git, Subversion, and JIRA.

Responsibilities

Lead the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling aligned with avionics system requirements.
Provide technical direction and execution across development and verification activities for safety-critical software, including DO-178, DO-254, and/or DO-330.
Develop and manage software requirements, ensuring decomposition and traceability across complex systems of systems.
Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object-oriented design principles.
Own and produce certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables.
Lead and support certification efforts, including engagement with customers and regulatory authorities.
Conduct and contribute to peer reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across the lifecycle.
Collaborate with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align technical solutions with program objectives.
Travel domestically and internationally as required, estimated at less than 10%.

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.
Carrot Health support for hormonal health, fertility, and family building.
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.
Relocation eligibility.
Flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, paid time off, and holidays may be available depending on business unit and collective-bargaining coverage.
Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation may be available depending on position level and collective-bargaining coverage; payments are not guaranteed.