Lead Systems Engineer - (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-08-18 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​ Security Clearance Type: Secret - Current Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1 Lead Systems Engineer - (Onsite) 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. Role Description:    Collins is hiring Lead Systems Engineer to support programs for our US military and various international customers, keeping the world safe from foreign threats. We support multiple contracts and are seeking to fill roles across several open contracts – our goal is to align each new hire with a position that best suits their skills and allows for career growth. In this role, you will play a critical part in the design, development, and integration of products, from concept to production.  You will collaborate closely with hardware and software engineers to ensure seamless system performance and deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs.  This position requires: US Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance Day 1 .   Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Cedar Rapids, IA location. Sign-on Bonus Eligible What YOU will do:   Lead cross-functional team members (systems, hardware, and software engineers) to ensure system compatibility and performance  Conduct testing, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure reliability and functionality across all product levels  Support the transition of products from prototype to production, including design reviews and documentation  Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative ideas to enhance product performance and features  Maintain clear communication with team members and stakeholders to align project milestones and deliverables  Qualifications You Must Have:  Expert knowledge of the full Systems Engineering V – from CONOPS development to Sustainment  Proven experience directing integration and testing efforts within multidisciplinary teams  Experience organizing test teams and leading the generation of testing artifacts  Experience scheduling and overseeing test events to include subcontracted efforts and results  Ability to work with other IPTs contributing to a large-scale test program spanning Functional, allocated, and product baselines  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   Active and transferable U.S. Government DoD Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance  Qualifications We Prefer: Experience designing & developing complex systems  Experience preparing bids & estimates  Experience integrating firmware and software onto hardware products  Experience with audio and video product integration  Experience with integrating communication Radio and Systems: SATCOM, LOS/BLOS, AEHF, or V/UHF  Experience with computer networking including API development and systems security  Proficiency in tooling to include CAMEO, Rhapsody, Microsoft products, or tasking boards (Jira, IBM EWM, etc.)  Experience with and knowledge of scripting for analysis or build and test automation  A current and transferable U.S. Government DoD Top Secret Clearance 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, child and elder care services  Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program   Eligible for relocation assistance And more!   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 speci