Principal Platform Software Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-10-27 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-131 ~ 5450 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 131 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The company will offer immigration sponsorship for this position, if needed.​ The company will not seek an export authorization for this role. 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. Join our Advanced Processing Architectures organization as a Principal Embedded Platform Software Engineer, where you will influence the design, development, and integration of the foundational software that enables secure, deterministic, and high‑performance operation of next‑generation avionics processing platforms. In this role, you will define technical direction across programs, shape platform architecture, and guide teams developing critical early‑boot, hardware‑bring‑up, HAL, diagnostic, and platform‑security components that support advanced SoC and ASIC‑based systems.  You will collaborate across systems, hardware, software, and verification disciplines to ensure cohesive platform behavior, introduce innovative solutions to complex hardware/software challenges, and drive engineering excellence through technical mentorship and cross‑team leadership. This role provides an opportunity to influence program‑level strategy, strengthen development workflows, and elevate the technical capabilities of the broader platform engineering community.  WHAT YOU WILL DO   Lead program‑level technical strategy for embedded platform software, including secure boot flows, early‑boot initialization, SoC/ASIC bring‑up, HAL frameworks, diagnostics, and platform security features   Apply expert knowledge to design software for complex embedded multiprocessor systems and provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems  Guide system architecture and review software designs for technical soundness, maintainability, and alignment with program goals  Define and improve development processes, workflows, and documentation practices across the program  Oversee integration and technical evaluation of supplier‑provided bootloaders, BSP components, and platform software deliverables   Produce high‑quality documentation including design artifacts, test procedures, integration guides, and internal training material  Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, safety, and software teams to ensure well‑understood, repeatable, and reliable platform behavior  Utilize Agile development methods, automation tools, and continuous integration pipelines to drive efficient and consistent software delivery  Mentor engineers across levels (P1–P3) and support the development of future technical leaders  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 with at least two of the following: embedded C/C++ development, scripting languages (Python, Perl, etc.) to automate development or integration task, embedded security/secure boot, software architecture design  Experience developing embedded software for complex SoCs or custom ASIC‑based systems, including board bring‑up, diagnostics, or low‑level driver/HAL development   Experience working with embedded RTOS environments (e.g., VxWorks, Integrity, Green Hills, Linux) including BSP integration and configuration  Experience developing systems involving hardware, firmware, and software integration  QUALIFICATIONS WE PREFER   Experience developing, verifying or certifying software in DO-178 B/C at high assurance levels or similar rigor  Self‑starter with demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and follow through on complex tasks  Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills  Experience with Agile methods, CI/CD pipelines, Git‑based workflows, and automated test frameworks  Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate technical intent and drive alignment across teams  Demonstrated ability to lead technical decision‑making at a program level and evaluate multiple solution paths effectively     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 Horiz