Senior Principal Engineer, Software Engineering

RTX•Cedar Rapids, IA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. This role provides overall ownership and executes oversight for large-scale, enterprise initiatives, from strategic planning and funding approval through governed execution and stakeholder delivery. It establishes program strategy, multi-phase roadmaps, and delivery models, aligning initiatives with organizational objectives, regulatory expectations, and long-term technology transformation priorities. The role exercises independent decision-making authority over scope, schedules, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management, without performing hands-on technical or individual contributor work. It directs and coordinates cross-functional organizations including engineering, quality, certification, finance, legal and operations by setting priorities, approving execution plans, and resolving escalations. The Senior Principal Engineer acts as the final authority for program trade-offs, delivery sequencing, and change management, balancing business objectives, compliance requirements, and long-term capability development. It also establishes and enforces program-level governance, quality standards, and compliance readiness, ensuring consistency, auditability, and operational reliability across deliverables. Finally, it provides executive reporting and strategic recommendations that influence portfolio planning, investment decisions, risk posture, and organizational direction.

Requirements

At least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, or a related field and at least 10 years of progressive experience as a Software Engineer or related role.
Alternatively, at least a master’s degree or its equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, or a related field and at least 7 years of experience as a Software Engineer or related role.
At least 5 years of experience with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) application development, neural network model development and deployment, embedded or real-time software systems, DevOps/CI-CD pipelines, and software development for safety-critical or avionics environments, or related software engineering experience.
At least 5 years of experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, or C/C++ for software development in embedded or real-time systems environments.
At least 5 years of experience with avionics systems and software development and certification activities in safety-critical environments, including standards such as ARP4754, DO-178, and DO-330.
At least 4 years of experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), neural network model development and deployment using frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar technologies.
At least 3 years of experience with DevOps pipelines, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), process automation, and Kubernetes-based software architecture.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

Provide overall ownership and execute oversight for large-scale, enterprise initiatives, from strategic planning and funding approval through governed execution and stakeholder delivery.
Establish program strategy, multi-phase roadmaps, and delivery models, aligning initiatives with organizational objectives, regulatory expectations, and long-term technology transformation priorities.
Exercise independent decision-making authority over scope, schedules, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management, without performing hands-on technical or individual contributor work.
Direct and coordinate cross-functional organizations including engineering, quality, certification, finance, legal and operations by setting priorities, approving execution plans, and resolving escalations.
Act as the final authority for program trade-offs, delivery sequencing, and change management, balancing business objectives, compliance requirements, and long-term capability development.
Establish and enforce program-level governance, quality standards, and compliance readiness, ensuring consistency, auditability, and operational reliability across deliverables.
Provide executive reporting and strategic recommendations that influence portfolio planning, investment decisions, risk posture, and organizational direction.