Principal Systems Engineer - Avionics Certification (ONSITE)

RTX•Cedar Rapids, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join the Integrated Flight Systems Product Line Engineering group. This team focuses on certification and process expertise collaborating with Programs, the internal Certification Office, Customers, and Regulators to ensure Airworthiness of Avionics Systems. Additionally, the group handles system-level activities, including design, integration, testing, and FMS Systems Engineering SME support for platforms such as the Bombardier Global series, Airbus A220, Embraer Praetor, ARJ21 C909, and commercial derivative programs. This is an onsite position based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We are seeking a highly skilled professional with a strong technical background in Avionics Systems Engineering and Certification. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in ARP4754A certification activities and will play a key role in supporting the development lifecycle of software and hardware integration for Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Systems, including Fusion IPS and NextGen architectures. This is an on-site position requiring close collaboration with program teams to produce critical certification documentation, such as Change Impact Analyses, Certification Plans, Certification Summaries, System Verification Summary Reports, Traceability Documents, TSO compliance matrices, Open Problem Reports, and other supporting materials. The candidate will be responsible for managing and submitting Job Aids and forms to the Certification Office as part of SOI1-SOI4 and TSO activities. This position involves capturing the program’s lifecycle through detailed documentation and preparing comprehensive summaries and reports to substantiate airworthiness. Acting as the Certification Focal, the candidate will interface with Internal Teams, Management, Certification Office, OEMs, and Regulatory Authorities, including supporting audit activities, providing regular updates, status reports, and metrics on certification progress. Secondary responsibilities involve collaborating on the design, development, integration, troubleshooting, and testing of Avionics Systems. This includes operating and supporting rig facilities during testing phases and troubleshooting activities. A solid understanding of aircraft operational fundamentals is desirable, as the candidate will be required to execute flight test scenarios to validate system performance.

Requirements

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
Proven ability to work effectively in a regulatory-intensive and process-driven environment.
Hands-on experience with Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) and Integrated Processing Systems (IPS) at the system level.
Direct experience with ARP4754A processes and activities.
Proficiency with Systems Engineering tools such as JIRA, DOORS, and JAMA.
Strong understanding of Avionics, aircraft Systems, and Subsystems.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge across multiple Avionics functional areas.
Prior experience with full development cycles, Avionics certification, and a strong understanding of lifecycle activities and deliverables for Avionics programs.
Experience working within regulatory environments, including DO-254, DO-160, DO-178B/C, DO-297, ARP4754A, and FAA/TCCA/EASA standards.
Proficiency in supporting testing activities, including operating rig facilities and troubleshooting during testing phases.
Ability to execute flight test scenarios by leveraging a solid understanding of aircraft operational fundamentals to validate system performance.

Responsibilities

Lead system-level ARP4754A certification activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
Create, maintain, and manage certification artifacts, including Change Impact Analyses, Certification Plans, Certification Summaries, System Verification Summary Reports, Traceability Documents, TSO compliance matrices, and Open Problem Reports.
Own and oversee the submission of Job Aids and forms to the certification office, supporting SOI1-SOI4 and TSO activities.
Prepare comprehensive summaries and reports to substantiate the airworthiness of Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Systems for Fusion IPS and NextGen architectures.
Act as the Certification Focal, collaborating with internal program teams, management, certification offices, OEMs, and regulatory authorities to ensure alignment and success.
Provide regular updates on program status and certification metrics to key stakeholders.
Ensure traceability and compliance across all phases of the development lifecycle, adhering to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate effectively with engineers across multiple organizations, fostering a positive and productive team environment.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan that includes 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 you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, 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
And more!