Principal Software Engineer - Tactical Communications
RTX· Defense· Sep 1, 2026 · 2mo ago
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137
In office
Full-time
Principal
$168K–$230K est.
8+ years exp
Job description
Date Posted:
2026-09-01 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 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 design and develop cutting-edge embedded software, networking and communication products in C/C and Rust
YOU will drive project success by planning and directly contributing to 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 mentor and guide software developers on technical and process challenges
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
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Experience with software for communications or similar products
Experience with embedded software development
Experience in Python, C/C , and/or Rust
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
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 design and implement solutions to complex problems with minimal 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, wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
And more!
Relocation Eligibility
Eligible for relocation
Learn More & Apply Now!
Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.
* Please consider the following role type definitions as you apply for this role.
Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
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.
Employee Referral Eligible
#MISENG
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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Pto
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave
Wellness