Senior Principal Systems Engineer (Systems Architect)
RTX· enterprise· Defense· Sep 24, 2026 · 1mo ago
Cedar Rapids, IA
Hybrid
Full-time
Principal
$150K–$214K est.
10+ years exp
Job description
Date Posted:
2026-09-24 Country:
United States of America Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105 Position Role Type:
Hybrid U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of “U.S. Person” go here. ecfr.gov 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 System Solutions team is seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to lead the definition, development and evolution of complex aerospace systems through strong systems engineering and architectural expertise. This role will own system architecture decisions, establish technical direction and provide technical leadership across engineering teams to enable the successful implementation and adoption of system solutions.
The ideal candidate will bring deep systems engineering expertise and hands-on experience across system architecture, requirements management, engineering automation, verification, validation and aerospace certification processes. The candidate will translate complex technical and business needs into scalable system architectures, establish engineering approaches and best practices, and provide technical guidance across multiple stakeholders and engineering disciplines.
Experience with DevSecOps frameworks, aerospace development standards such as ARP4754, Digital Engineering and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is highly desirable. Experience applying these practices to modernize and automate systems engineering processes is especially valuable.
If you are passionate about advancing systems engineering through automation, collaboration and innovative technologies, we encourage you to apply.
This is a hybrid position based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
What You Will Do:
MBSE Strategy and Development:
Lead the systems engineering team through all phases of system product development including stakeholder’s requirements capture, behavioral analysis, system architecture design, system verification, system validation and life-cycle product support.
Lead the definition, development, and execution of the System Solutions strategy and roadmap for System Solutions.
Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams to enable effective adoption, continuous improvement and support to programs across different business units.
Collaboration and Coordination:
Support coordination with System Method Representatives and System Discipline Boards by providing technical inputs, aligning priorities, and ensuring system engineering needs are represented.
Support external stakeholder collaboration, such as with the Digital Product Lifecycle (DPLC) Technical Advisory Board, through alignment and dependency meetings and collaboration on System capabilities and initiatives.
Work closely with System Solutions teams and the System Program Manager to coordinate dependencies, enable knowledge transfer across teams. Provide technical inputs, status, risks and recommendations.
Additional Responsibilities:
Support proposal and business development activities leveraging System engineering methodologies and automation practices.
Mentor and train junior systems engineers, ensuring the long-term growth of expertise within System Solutions team.
Travel up to 15% as needed to support program and collaboration efforts.
Qualifications 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 in multiple areas of the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements development, design, integration, verification, validation, and technical documentation. Ideal candidate will have experience across the full development lifecycle for civil certification programs.
Hands-on experience applying ARP4754 throughout the system development lifecycle.
Experience with requirements management tools (Jama, Polarion, DOORS)
Experience/Interest in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw/Teamwork Cloud and SysML modeling.
Experience or familiarity with emerging technologies, including computer vision, machine learning and/or optical character recognition.
Experience or familiarity with DevSecOps framework.
Experience or familiarity with CI/CD pipelines.
Experience with Git or other version control systems.
Experience working in aerospace or another highly regulated engineering environment.
Experience working in a configuration-controlled environment, including problem reports and change requests.
Ability to work within Eastern Time Zone core and global teams, including India Standard Time.
Qualifications We Prefer:
Experience developing automation with scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell) and thoroughly test implementations.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work through complex technical issues.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to work with internal teams, external suppliers and stakeholders.
Practical project management capability, including the ability to manage complex projects, multiple stakeholders and the definition of common technical processes.
Ability to collaborate across teams.
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
• And more!
Eligible for relocation
Learn More & Apply Now!
*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.
Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.
At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.
Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
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Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave
Wellness