Principal Project Engineer – Air Combat Test & Training (ONSITE)

Date Posted: 2026-09-02 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 ~ 5350 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 130 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 Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, 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. Air Combat Test & Training (ACTT) is seeking a Principal Project Engineer to lead motivated and passionate teams of experts to develop, test, enhance, deploy, and sustain our advanced airborne training systems. ACTT is a system-of-systems development team that designs, integrates, and supports some of the largest, most complex solutions offered by Collins Aerospace.  Our flagship product, the Tactical Combat Training System Increment II (TCTS II), is an on-aircraft, in-flight training system that provides unmatched operational realism to our nation’s top-tier fighter pilots and enables them to truly “train as they fight”. As a Principal Project Engineer in ACTT, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the evolution of fighter pilot training and make a difference.  What You Will Do     • Lead medium-scale projects to develop, integrate, test and deploy state-of-the-art technology in cryptography, datalinks, navigation, communication, and networking     • Oversee project planning from initiation to completion, including defining scope, setting objectives, establishing timelines, and coordinating resources to meet project milestones and program requirements     • Lead engineering bid and proposal (B&P) efforts to capture new business and unlock new markets        • Drive efficiency and optimization throughout the project lifecycle by applying lessons learned, implementing best practices, and leveraging new methodologies     • Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, while also proactively identifying and capitalizing on opportunities that enhance efficiency, innovation, or overall project outcomes      • Manage communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that expectations are aligned, feedback is incorporated, and project goals are effectively communicated     • Work with engineering functional leaders to secure and coordinate the resources necessary to build effective project teams and meet commitments      • Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, industry standards, company policies, and contractual obligations by maintaining documentation, supporting compliance activities, and enforcing best practices to uphold project integrity and accountability     • Up to 10% travel is required Qualifications You Must Have     • Experience operating in a lead role     • Background in hardware, software, or systems development      • Experience with Earned Value (EV) as a Control Account Manager (CAM) or similar role      • Experience with bidding and basis of estimate (BOE) development     • 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  Qualifications We Prefer     • Experience operating in a Project Engineer role     • Familiarity with secure lab operations, classified networks, and cross domain solutions     • Agile/Scrum leadership experience (Scrum Master, Product Owner, etc)     • Experience with requirements management in DOORS, Jama, or similar tools     • Experience with MS Project, Confluence, JIRA, or similar tools     • Experience with RTX Lifecycle Program Management (RLPM) processes 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 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      • Carrot Health to hormonal 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     • This position is 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 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.  *Please ensure the role type (defined below) is approp