Senior Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Communications (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-08-17 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137 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 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. At Collins Aerospace, we don’t just build technology—we engineer mission success. Our Communication Systems teams are on the front lines of innovation, designing and delivering cutting-edge embedded communication solutions that keep military forces around the world safe, connected, and informed—no matter the environment. We’re looking for a Senior Principal Software Engineer who’s ready to make an impact. In this role, you won’t just write code, you’ll help shape the future of secure communications. From software-defined radios and advanced networking to state-of-the-art cryptographic systems and open system platform software, your work will drive critical real-time communications that enable pilots and soldiers to securely share voice, video, and data when it matters most. Here, you’ll collaborate with top-tier engineers and industry experts, leveraging advanced technologies to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you're building trusted systems or breaking ground on new innovations, your contributions will directly support mission-critical operations across the globe. If you're passionate about solving complex challenges, excited by the idea of working on systems that truly matter and driven to grow alongside some of the brightest minds in the field—we want you on our team. What You Will Do: YOU will architect, design, and develop cutting-edge embedded software and communication products in C/C++ and Rust YOU will drive project success by planning and leading efforts for requirements, implementation, test development, and certification YOU will develop innovative tools and automated testing infrastructures that support Continuous Integration and Continuous Development processes YOU will serve as a technical lead, mentoring and guiding software developers to ensure successful execution and professional growth YOU will lead large initiatives and organize tasks for team members, ensuring timely delivery  YOU will impact our business and our customers: supporting cost, schedule, and technical performance  What You Will Learn: YOU will gain technical leadership experience and mentorship opportunities to develop talent for yourself and others  YOU will collaborate with fellow subject matter experts and industry specialists, obtaining hands-on experience with new and innovative technologies  YOU will engage with a multidisciplinary team to develop a cross-functional skillset  YOU will grow into a subject matter expert on your projects and programs  Qualifications You Must Have:  Experience in leading efforts across the full software development lifecycle  Experience with software for communications or similar products 7 years of experience with embedded software development 7 years of experience in Python and C/C++ Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience Qualifications We Prefer:  Active U.S. Department of Defense Clearance  Proficient with Linux development environments  Proficient with Git and other version control systems Knowledgeable in networking and communications protocols Experience with Rust programming language Experience with multithreading and containerization Experience with communications systems or software-defined radios Experience developing open systems architecture and microservices for containerized environments Experience applying patterns, data structures, and algorithms to solve problems in software systems Comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments Ability to investigate complex problems to root cause and champion the creation and implementation of solutions Ability to architect, design, and implement solutions to complex problems without guidance 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  Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning   Adoption Assistance            Autism Benefit   Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions   Healthy You Incentives, wellne