Principal Software Engineer - Datalink Safety Routers and Applications (ONSITE)

Date Posted: 2026-09-14 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. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for a Principal Software Engineer role within our Datalink Safety Routers and Applications team. The team develops airborne safety router software and Air Traffic Control (ATC) applications supporting safety-critical air/ground communications, as well as Signal Processor (SigP) avionics software supporting aircraft data concentration and audio management functions. You will work across a diverse portfolio of safety-critical avionics products and platforms supporting DO-178B/C DAL A/C/D software and the full software development lifecycle. This is an onsite position in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. What You Will Do: Provide technical leadership for the design, development, integration, verification, and certification of safety-critical embedded avionics software. Design, develop, integrate, test, and support real-time embedded software, primarily using C and C++, to meet technical, certification, program, and customer requirements. Develop software architecture, detailed designs, and software based on system and software requirements. Lead resolution of complex software and system-level technical issues, including root cause investigation and corrective actions. Lead and participate in software requirements, design, and code reviews. Collaborate across Systems, Hardware, Software, Verification, and Certification teams to support hardware/software and system-level integration. Provide technical guidance and mentoring to software engineers and drive engineering best practices. Support DO-178B/C certification activities and technical interactions throughout the certification lifecycle. Collaborate with internal organizations and external customers to understand technical needs, resolve issues, and develop solutions. What You Will Learn: Gain broad technical exposure to Collins Aerospace Datalink safety routers and Air Traffic Control applications. Develop deeper knowledge of aircraft communication architectures, air/ground messaging, and Datalink protocols. Expand your understanding of how safety-critical avionics products integrate with aircraft systems such as FMS, MCDU, EICAS, ACMS. Gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of Commercial, Business & Regional, and Military avionics platforms and customers. Expand your technical leadership experience across complex avionics programs, products, and certification efforts. 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 Strong experience developing safety-critical avionics software across DO-178B/C DAL A/C/D systems. Strong embedded software development experience using C and C++. Strong experience across the software development lifecycle, including requirements, architecture/design, coding, integration, verification, and certification. Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical efforts and drive technical issues to resolution while working across engineering disciplines and organizations. Experience with hardware/software and system-level integration. Qualifications We Prefer: Experience with air/ground messaging and Datalink protocols, including ARINC 429, ARINC 618, VDL Mode 2, TCP/IP, and ATN OSI. Knowledge of aircraft systems such as CMU, RIU, EICAS, MCDU, FMS, and ACMS and their functions within the aircraft. Experience with avionics data concentration, audio management, or Signal Processor software. Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and network protocols. Python and software automation/scripting experience. Experience supporting DO-178B/C certification activities and SOI audits. Experience with software verification activities including data/control coupling, low-level testing, and hardware/software integration testing. Experience working directly with airframe, airline, regulatory, or other external customers. Experience leading technical decisions across multiple programs or product lines. 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 building Adoption Assistance