Senior Systems Engineering - Position, Navigation & Timing (Onsite)
About The Position
Join a small, high-impact team in Collins Aerospace’s Applied Research & Technology organization focused on pioneering alternative position, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions for next-generation defense platforms. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will develop and field innovative PNT technologies designed to operate in contested and GPS-denied environments, turning emerging research into mission-ready capabilities. Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Applied Research & Technology is Collins’ startup-style innovation engine. Small, focused teams explore, prototype, and demonstrate new technologies for future aerospace and defense systems. You get the freedom to experiment and move fast, with access to world-class labs, data, and product teams that can field what you build. The Defense Technologies segment turns emerging concepts into mission-ready capabilities for contested environments. We build resilient communications and navigation solutions, secure and cyber-resilient avionics, advanced sensing, and autonomous technologies for warfighters. You work close to real missions, with clear paths to prove ideas in the lab, at the range, and on platforms.
Requirements
- Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
- The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required
- U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
- Experience with PNT systems or navigation algorithms, including sensor fusion, timing architectures, estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering), inertial navigation integration, or related GNSS technologies.
- Familiarity with GNSS fundamentals and with PNT techniques for resilient or GPS-denied operation, including methods that use RF signals or satellite communications.
- Proficiency in algorithm development and implementation using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, Python, HDL languages, or AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: PNT, signal processing, communications systems, beamforming/phased arrays, tracking and estimation, or AI/ML applied to navigation and sensing.
- Experience conducting applied research or advanced technology development in aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical/cyber-physical systems environments.
- Familiarity with aerospace or defense standards, design assurance, and mission assurance practices for software and systems.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across industry, academia, government, or research organizations and contribute to technical leadership through mentoring, proposals, publications, or patents.
Responsibilities
- Architect and deliver advanced PNT software and system solutions that balance performance, SWaP, cost, reliability, and security.
- Rapidly develop prototypes across simulations, lab environments, and hardware-in-the-loop setups to evaluate concepts and reduce risk.
- Run experiments and simulations, analyze results, and iterate quickly to mature concepts into robust implementations.
- Capture designs, architectures, and test insights to ensure your work can be reviewed, validated, and extended across teams.
- Work with project and program leads to manage technical risk, align plans, and communicate status and tradeoffs clearly.
- Support lab, field, and flight test activities to demonstrate capability, validate performance, and inform design improvements.
- Contribute to proposals, white papers, and technical briefings that drive future opportunities and research directions.
- Ability to travel up to 15% as required to support project, customer, and business needs.
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
- Relocation assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
