Principal Software Design Quality Assurance (DQA) Engineer (Onsite - Cedar Rapids, IA)

Date Posted: 2026-09-23 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: 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. The Design Quality Assurance group (DQA) is looking for an experienced Principal Software Quality Assurance Enginee r who is interested in using their technical skills and experience to ensure Collins Aerospace design quality meets plans, standards, and requirements. As a DQA team member, you will help ensure new product designs meet or exceed requirements, engineering plans and development standards are followed, customer and regulatory agency requirements are understood and met, and defects are identified and eliminated prior to transition to production. You should be capable of advising project teams and leadership of design quality trends and systemic issues, working with organizations to investigate issues, and providing recommended corrective actions as needed to achieve design and development objectives for high quality designs. This position requires the applicant to have a thorough understanding of and demonstrated experience in engineering design and development process and methods, industry standards and regulations, requirements analysis and capture, integration, test, and engineering documentation for certification. This role will be worked onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA.   Relocation assistance is available. What You Will Do: Audit Avionics development programs for compliance with Engineering Plans, Standards, and customer/regulatory requirements Conduct Stages of Involvement (SOI) audits from planning through certification Review requirements, software, test cases and other SOI artifacts to ensure alignment with program plans and standards Document, track, and manage audit findings, collaborating with Engineering and program leadership to drive resolution Ensure Engineering teams follow defined plans and processes throughout the product development lifecycle Tailor quality management activities and plans to fit specific program needs and industry standards Collaborate with Engineering to identify and resolve non‑conformances and process deviations Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance product quality and program execution Present quality review activities and findings to customers and regulatory authorities Qualifications You Must Have: Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience Experience with industry and regulatory standards such as DO‑178B/C, DO‑330, DO‑331, and AS9100D Experience with software planning, development, and verification processes Qualifications We Prefer: Experience applying industry and regulatory standards such as DO‑178B/C, DO‑330, DO‑331, DO‑297, ARP4754A/B, and AS9100D to avionics design and development projects Experience working in an Agile development environment (e.g., SAFe) Experience supporting internal and external customer reviews and AS9100 audits Experience using requirements management tools such as DOORS and JAMA Proficiency with Atlassian development tools (e.g., JIRA) Experience with configuration management systems Experience working directly with regulatory agencies Knowledge of aerospace industry practices, manufacturing processes, and associated workflows Experience leading or mentoring a team 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, 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 And more!  Learn More & Apply Now! Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.  Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accompl