Senior Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Communications (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-08-17

 Country:

United States of America

 Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

 Position Role Type:

Onsite

 U.S. Citizen, U.S.

Person, or Immigration Status Requirements

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

 Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

 Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can.

Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

At Collins Aerospace, we don’t just build technology—we engineer mission success. Our Communication Systems teams are on the front lines of innovation, designing and delivering cutting-edge embedded communication solutions that keep military forces around the world safe, connected, and informed—no matter the environment.

We’re looking for a Senior Principal Software Engineer who’s ready to make an impact. In this role, you won’t just write code, you’ll help shape the future of secure communications.

From software-defined radios and advanced networking to state-of-the-art cryptographic systems and open system platform software, your work will drive critical real-time communications that enable pilots and soldiers to securely share voice, video, and data when it matters most.

Here, you’ll collaborate with top-tier engineers and industry experts, leveraging advanced technologies to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you're building trusted systems or breaking ground on new innovations, your contributions will directly support mission-critical operations across the globe.

If you're passionate about solving complex challenges, excited by the idea of working on systems that truly matter and driven to grow alongside some of the brightest minds in the field—we want you on our team.

What You Will Do

• YOU will architect, design, and develop cutting-edge embedded software and communication products in C/C++ and Rust
• YOU will drive project success by planning and leading efforts for requirements, implementation, test development, and certification
• YOU will develop innovative tools and automated testing infrastructures that support Continuous Integration and Continuous Development processes
• YOU will serve as a technical lead, mentoring and guiding software developers to ensure successful execution and professional growth
• YOU will lead large initiatives and organize tasks for team members, ensuring timely delivery
• YOU will impact our business and our customers: supporting cost, schedule, and technical performance

What You Will Learn:

• YOU will gain technical leadership experience and mentorship opportunities to develop talent for yourself and others
• YOU will collaborate with fellow subject matter experts and industry specialists, obtaining hands-on experience with new and innovative technologies
• YOU will engage with a multidisciplinary team to develop a cross-functional skillset
• YOU will grow into a subject matter expert on your projects and programs

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Experience in leading efforts across the full software development lifecycle
• Experience with software for communications or similar products
• 7 years of experience with embedded software development
• 7 years of experience in Python and C/C++
• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Active U.S. Department of Defense Clearance
• Proficient with Linux development environments
• Proficient with Git and other version control systems
• Knowledgeable in networking and communications protocols
• Experience with Rust programming language
• Experience with multithreading and containerization
• Experience with communications systems or software-defined radios
• Experience developing open systems architecture and microservices for containerized environments
• Experience applying patterns, data structures, and algorithms to solve problems in software systems
• Comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments
• Ability to investigate complex problems to root cause and champion the creation and implementation of solutions
• Ability to architect, design, and implement solutions to complex problems without guidance

What We Offer:

• 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!

Relocation Eligibility

• Eligible for relocation

Learn More & Apply Now!

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be.

Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge?

Join our mission today.

• Please consider the following role type definitions as you apply for this role.

Onsite

Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other – propel us all higher, again and again.

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.

Employee Referral Eligible

#MISENG

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the