Principal Systems Engineer - Technical Program Manager (TPM) (ONSITE)
About The Position
The Open Systems Solutions (OSS) Products Team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer - Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead next-generation Open System Architecture product development. This organization develops open standards–compliant modular solutions and enables rapid deployment of mission critical capabilities to the warfighter. As part of Collins Mission Systems, OSS provides advanced communications, flight and ground computing, sensors, cyber solutions, and mission system integration. This role blends technical program leadership with hands-on systems engineering execution. The successful candidate will lead systems engineering activities, guide and mentor junior engineers, and step in directly to support analyses, integration efforts, or field and lab demonstrations as required. You will also serve as the primary technical focal point for internal leadership and military customers.
Requirements
- Experience with EVM and understanding of government reporting requirements
- Proven ability to plan and execute engineering work to meet schedule, cost, and performance goals
- Familiarity with Agile processes and methodologies
- Experience supporting or integrating systems engineering, software, hardware, and firmware development
- Active and transferable SECRET clearance is required prior to start date
- U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
- 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
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (SysML, Cameo, Rhapsody)
- Proficiency with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Matlab)
- Experience with MS Project, Confluence, JIRA, or similar tools
- Experience in technical risk & opportunity management, interface definition, and configuration management
- Agile leadership experience (Scrum Master, Product Owner, etc.)
- Experience with bidding, estimating tools (SEER), and BOE development
- Familiarity with military CONOPS or radio performance standards
- Experience in design-to-cost, design-for-manufacturing background, or experience transitioning products to production
- Existing SAP clearance
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership for the systems engineering team, including defining scope, breaking down work packages, assigning tasks, coaching junior engineers, and ensuring delivery of high quality engineering artifacts
- Serve as the primary technical authority for the program, guiding system architecture, major trade studies, requirements development, interface definition, and critical design decisions
- Lead planning, development, integration, demonstrations, and major engineering events, including PDR, CDR, TRR, and customer technical reviews
- Plan and execute project level work to meet schedule, cost, and performance objectives, collaborating closely with program management and cross functional engineering teams
- Provide Earned Value Management (EVM) analysis and support government reporting requirements
- Identify, manage, and mitigate technical risks and opportunities, ensuring proactive resolution and communication
- Support hands-on execution when necessary, including completing engineering tasks, participating in lab and field integration events, or stepping in to deliver technical demonstrations
- Lead effective multidisciplinary working sessions and trade studies, facilitating decision-making and driving alignment across systems, hardware, software, and firmware teams
- Influence technical and operational policies, working across organizational boundaries to shape practices and engineering processes
- Coach, mentor, and review work of lower-level professionals, fostering technical growth and a strong team culture
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
- This position is eligible for relocation assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
