Senior Principal Software Engineer – Future Flight (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-09-09 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105 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 The Advance Technology organization, within Collins Aerospace, is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to develop and integrate prototype software and autonomy algorithms for Future Flight Autonomy projects.  In Future Flight Autonomy, we focus on the automation and autonomous solutions needed to enable next generation aircraft capabilities and meet customer needs.  You will take abstract concepts from new ideas to implemented practical solutions and collaborate across multiple domains supporting Simplified Vehicle Operation (SVO) and Single Pilot Operation (SPO) capable avionics.   We define, prototype, validate and transition autonomous capabilities to program or product teams and identify technologies for further investment.  You will be a part of the team taking capabilities from concepts and high-level requirements to simulation and prototypes, integrated Lab solutions, and real-world test activities on experimental aircraft. The successful candidate will be part of a distributed team composed of professionals from several disciplines and must have the ability to excel, both alone and with others, and have strong interpersonal skills.   What You Will Do Lead and coordinate SW and algorithm development activities for new prototype concepts Lead and coordinate simulation activities to mature capabilities for integration in lab environments and test Aircraft. Define Concept of Operations and High-Level Requirements for advanced capabilities Decompose capabilities to define necessary SW components Integrate SW solutions and create functional prototypes Engage with external domains to develop maturation and integration plans for advanced capabilities into existing platforms Prepare and give demonstrations of new capabilities Engage in Non-Advocate and Peer Review activities Identifying the necessary activities and components for successful development Communicate plans and status to engineering team and leadership; next steps, unknowns, dependencies, PoCs, challenges, etc. Qualification You Must Have 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 Experience with algorithm development, simulation, avionics systems, and software integration in lab and/or aircraft environments. Demonstrated technical leadership, ownership, and ability to drive efforts across multiple stakeholders. Experience with CONOPS, trade studies, Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), and rapid prototype development. Ability to quickly build technical breadth in new and emerging technology areas while managing priorities and delivering on commitments. Experience across the software development lifecycle, from requirements and design through integration, test, and successful program execution. Qualifications We Prefer Experience developing strategic technology roadmaps and evaluating emerging or disruptive technologies, including experience with external research partners. Demonstrated ability to solve complex, ambiguous problems where no established solution exists and confidently recommend a path forward while incorporating feedback. Experience taking concepts from early-stage research through prototype development and understanding the maturity required for transition to production. Experience with patents, publications, technical presentations, and engagement with external technical communities, government standards committees, customers, and universities. Experience leading and mentoring technical teams, working independently with minimal supervision, and balancing near-term priorities with long-term technology objectives. Experience with software certification requirements Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to clearly define technical needs, plans, and status. 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 Horizons, child and elder care services  Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program   Eligible for relocation assistance And more!   Learn More & Apply Now!     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, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).    Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overc