Sr Software Engineering Manager, Tactical Communication Waveforms, Onsite

Date Posted: 2026-08-18 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. Picture this real-world scenario: It’s August 2026, and tensions are at an all-time high in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has implemented new transit rules and established a 2,000-kilometer zone of control enforced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), demanding all vessels use designated lanes and coordinate with their Persian Gulf Strait Authority. A U.S. Navy Destroyer (USS Reliant) is navigating the narrow 21-mile-wide channel to project power and protect commercial shipping. An F-16 pilot (Viper 1) is providing top-cover surveillance overhead. Viper 1 monitors three Iranian fast-attack craft accelerating at high speed toward the USS Reliant in a "swarm" formation. Simultaneously, Viper 1 notices that the USS Reliant is broadcasting a message that is being heavily distorted.  Viper 1 switches to a secure, frequency-hopping, tactical waveform.  “Reliant, this is Viper 1, hostile swarm approaching 2-0-0 degrees, 5 miles out, requesting permission to engage."  "Viper 1, this is Reliant, cleared to engage. We are activating close-in weapons systems." Because the message was secure and encrypted, Iranian electronic warfare units could not interpret or spoof the directive. Because the link was reliable, it bypassed the intense local jamming. The F-16 acts as a fast-reaction force using Collins tactical radios, allowing the destroyer to make crucial defensive maneuvers, securing the vessel and preventing a wider conflict. The Tactical Communications & Applications Solutions (TCAS) Software/Cyber department within the Mission Systems Resilient Connectivity Products (RCP) portfolio has the LOS (Line-of-Sight) / BLOS (Beyond LOS) waveform software team which specializes in developing flexible and secure military communication solutions.  Our technologies provide our warfighters with the ability to communicate effectively, enabling them to accomplish their missions and return home safely. We are seeking a service-oriented and challenge-driven Sr Software Engineering Manager with the leadership and technical skills to manage the engineering development and project execution of critical LOS and BLOS waveforms that will enable our warfighters to have tactical advantages in theater.  This involves oversight of software engineering activities which design, develop, enhance, integrate, test, and maintain embedded waveform software applications. At Collins Aerospace, you will work on cutting edge technology and contribute to programs that save lives and enable the freedoms we enjoy.   This position requires onsite presence in Cedar Rapids, IA. What You Will Do Manage daily activities and contribute to the technical oversight of software engineers, project engineers, and support organizations to develop, integrate, and test embedded software in an Agile development environment for software-defined radio architectures Manage project scope, schedule, and budget for software engineering activities using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) performance measurement; manage project risks/issues and elevate to upper management when appropriate Demonstrate predictable program execution and continuous improvement Oversee and participate in the development of engineering bids and proposals Create and implement strategic workforce and staffing plans to ensure the team meets its business objectives and maintains high-performance standards, including recruiting/hiring, as well as actively addressing employee performance and career development actions Ensure compliance with Collins Aerospace development processes and standard work requirements Collaborate across programs and engineering teams to identify efficiencies, share resources, and support the development of best practices, necessitating an ability to clearly communicate objectives and status to audiences with varying degrees of understanding of the products and technology Develop and nurture internal and external networks, ensuring alignment and transparency with stakeholders, forging relationships with peers across RCP Engineering, Value Stream Leadership, and government customers Qualifications You Must Have Must be capable of obtaining, a US Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. US citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Experience leading cross-functional technical teams in software development/integration/test with FPGA and Crypto Module integration Working knowledge of embedded software development and the use of C++ A proven ability to guide and lead software development processes Experience with cost account management (EVMS) and schedule management Able to m