Principal Software Engineer- Resilient Networking (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-07-01 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-108 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 108 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. Our Applied Research & Technology (ART) is Collins’ startup-style innovation engine. Small, focused teams explore, prototype, and demonstrate new technologies for next-generation aerospace and defense systems. You get the freedom to experiment and move fast, with access to world-class labs, data, and the product teams that can field what you build.  The ART 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.  As a Principal Software Engineer, you join a small, high-impact team on the cutting edge of next-generation wireless networking, bringing emerging and innovative solutions out of the lab and into our products in the field.   In this role, you will work on challenges that stretch your skills, boost your influence, and accelerate career growth in the key areas below: Develop technology rapidly on small, focused teams backed by world-class labs and the resources of a major aerospace company Innovate end-to-end: from concept formation and modeling to prototypes, demos, and transitions to product teams  Tackle complex, open-ended problems at the intersection of resilient networking and embedded software Collaborate with sharp engineers and researchers across Collins, RTX, universities, labs, and innovative small businesses Influence the future of our technology through contributions to  architectures, roadmaps, proposals, patents, and publications What You Will Do  Lead the design, development, and integration of advanced resilient networking software systems and architectures Lead small teams of multi-functional engineers (4-6 individuals) on programs’ technical aspects, including overseeing design, build, test, and demonstration Train and oversee efforts of less experienced engineers Architect and drive execution across the full software lifecycle — concept, modeling, implementation, integration, field demo, and program transition Frame problems and translate mission needs into testable technical objectives Design and run experiments; analyze results to iterate on concepts and implementations Capture architectures, designs, test results, and lessons learned for reuse Evaluate networking technologies such as MANET protocols, secure routing techniques, and adaptive mesh architectures Contribute to proposals, white papers, and technical briefings Travel required up to 15% time 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  At least 5+ years of embedded software development (C, C++, Rust, Python, Bash).  Proficient with modern build systems (Make, CMake, SCons) and version control tools (Git, SVN) in complex or realtime embedded environments Background in embedded Linux systems, networked applications, networking stack implementation, or BSP development Strong understanding of modern networking technologies including IPv4/IPv6, routing protocols, multicast, NAT, TCP/UDP, OLSR, OSPF, PIM, IPSec, VPN, QoS, and ACLs.  Experience defining system-level requirements and creating scalable software architectures Experience with MANETs, Tactical Data Links, or distributed network systems.  Qualifications We Prefer  Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above) Strong experience in networking stack implementation, embedded Linux, or board support packages Experience integrating embedded software with FPGA/firmware systems Understanding of RF concepts, waveform interactions, and cross-layer impacts on networking performance Experience working with DARPA, ONR, AFRL, or other DoD research organizations Experience writing proposals and responding to BAAs, RFIs, or RFPs Experience transitioning technology from R&D (TRL 3–6) into product Excellent communication skills and ability to convey complex concepts to stakeholders 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