Principal Software Engineer - Mission Sensor Manager (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-07-22 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-182 ~ 1100 Cimmie Ave Ne ~ BLDG 182 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required Security Clearance Status: Not Required 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. Help ensure mission-critical avionics software performs flawlessly in the real world. As a Principal Software Engineer supporting mission sensors, weapons, and IFF (Identification Friendly or Foe) avionics systems, you’ll play a key role in primarily developing requirements, tests, verification, along with software development and software integration that support aerospace and defense applications. You’ll work within a highly collaborative Agile team, helping develop and translate requirements into robust software solutions and test strategies while supporting system integration and verification efforts. If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, improving engineering processes, and working across disciplines to deliver reliable systems, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.   What You Will Do: You will support software engineering activities within an Agile development environment, helping develop and translate system and software requirements into effective software, test and verification strategies (heavy focus of this role).   You will develop automated and semi-automated test scripts using Python to validate software functionality and system performance (heavy focus of this role).  You will update and maintain our Software products using Ada/C.   You will verify software builds in integrated lab environments and support formal verification events for major program deliveries (heavy focus of this role).  You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to refine system requirements and design solutions that meet customer needs.   You will present technical progress and status updates to Agile team members and engineering leadership.   You will contribute to improving test development processes, tools, and best practices while maintaining compliance with company standards.   You will help navigate through the bids & pursuits, adhering to Collins Processes.   Mentor younger engineers through Software Engineering tasks.   What You Will Learn: You will gain experience integrating Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) software supporting mission sensor and weapons avionics systems.   You will deepen your expertise across multiple phases of the aerospace systems lifecycle within a collaborative Agile environment.   You will strengthen your software engineering skills by supporting complex software development, verification and integration efforts.   If desired, you may have the ability to grow into Product Owner, Scrum Master, and/or Cost Account Manager type roles.  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. Experience working within Agile development teams.   Experience developing software requirements (heavy focus of this role).  Experience with test automation using Python (heavy focus of this role).  Experience with Software development in Ada/C.   Experience with engineering tools such as DOORS, PREP, TLBD, ALM, JIRA, Enterprise Architect, or similar.  Hands-on experience in systems and software integration including experience with design, development, and testing of customer hardware and software systems & systems of systems of high complexity. Experience interacting with development teams to resolve discrepancies and issues. Experience with systems integration, test execution, and test results documentation. Experience problem solving and debugging. Qualifications We Prefer: Experience (military or civil aircraft) in avionics systems.   Avionics integration and lab test experience.   Embedded software integration experience.   Working knowledge / understanding of data busses and protocols (Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553B, and ARINC-429).    What We Offer: Benefits:  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 v