Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Linux (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-06-18 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166 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 Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.  As a Principal Software Engineer in this organization, you will be involved in the development of state-of-the-art communications, information assurance, and general-purpose processing systems.  The Applied Research and Technology directorate supports some of the most cutting-edge products across the enterprise. We develop innovative solutions that keep our military members safe, connected, and informed. Our team has some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry and work with all the most recent technologies in embedded software development.  Within Collins Aerospace we work alongside FPGA, hardware, and systems teams in order to seamlessly embed our advanced technology into our Mission Systems product portfolio. Examples of these products range from high-frequency radios to secure, sophisticated software-defined radios that can enable pilots and soldiers to transfer data, voice and imagery over the air.  What You Will Do: Design, develop and continuously enhance our customized Linux OS ecosystem and maintain ownership over areas such as build toolchain, kernel, root filesystem, bootloader, device drivers, and  board support package (BSP) for a wide variety of hardware boards Contribute to the design, coding, testing, delivery and ongoing support for embedded Linux software systems Participate in root cause analysis and resolution of complex hardware-software issues Prepare software builds for execution in a simulation environment, reference platforms and on the target hardware Understand and utilize the appropriate Collins Aerospace processes and tools during product development, resulting in increased product quality and improving customer satisfaction Contribute to engineering estimates for new program pursuits Provide technical leadership for project design teams by breaking down work, planning activities, and reporting status  Qualifications You Must Have: 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 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  Proficiency with scripting languages (Bash and Python) Proficiency with embedded C/C++ Experience with embedded Linux device drivers Experience with board bring-up and target hardware integration  Experience with debugging and root cause investigations using hardware schematics and tools such as logic analyzer and Wireshark  Qualifications We Prefer: Experience with GIT and SVN version control systems Experience packaging custom Linux distribution with Buildroot. Experience in developing and maintaining Linux BSPs for embedded systems Development experience Agile methodologies and DevSecOps Experience with industry cost estimation tools such as SEER-SEM   Able to demonstrate communication skills and an ability/desire to work in a team environment, establishing collaborative working relationships with peers and co-workers Adaptable to change, determined to accomplish tasks based on program schedule and contribute to a positive work environment Able to produce exemplary results on the projects and teams they collaborate with 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.  What We Offer: Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   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, ch