Senior Principal Project Engineer, Deputy Program Chief (DPC) – Future Systems Product Line
RTX· Defense· Oct 20, 2026 · 7d ago
Cedar Rapids, IA
In office
Full-time
Principal
$171K–$240K est.
10+ years exp
Job description
Date Posted:
2026-10-20 Country:
United States of America Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-107 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 107 Position Role Type:
Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The company will offer immigration sponsorship for this position, if needed. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role. 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 Future Systems Product Line team is developing the next generation Collins avionics system architecture and features. As Deputy Program Chief, you will be a key member of the leadership team guiding execution, driving pursuit activities, and shaping the future avionics architecture.
This is an onsite position in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
What you will do:
Possess a strong working knowledge of Collins avionics, and a strong understanding of the relationships between all functional disciplines including Systems, Software, Hardware, Project, Safety, Tools, and Certification.
Collaborate with Program Managers, SYS/SW group leaders, and project leads to develop the product line execution plan for the Future Systems product line, advanced capabilities, and the associated program deployments. The DPC will assist in leading execution to ensure the project meets the technical and certification requirements, remains on schedule, and stays within budget constraints.
Lead the product line pursuit activities supporting customer RFPs.
Mentor and develop less experienced project engineers.
Generate engineering pursuit packages for Future Systems pursuits.
Generate engineering development bids and estimates for high complexity avionics products. Coordinates bid inputs from a variety of engineering disciplines. May lead medium-complexity proposal efforts, coordinating inputs from various project engineers.
Track, analyze, and report earned value metrics as required to understand program status and performance. Able to analyze data and determine appropriate actions to correct developing problems before they impact overall project performance. Reports performance against the plan, understanding both technical and programmatic impacts.
Create and maintain risk/opportunity and mitigation plans.
Prepare and deliver program updates, milestones reviews, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies at regular program reviews.
Work autonomously and demonstrate strong self-starter leadership traits.
Provide input into financial forecast, variance analysis, and long-range planning.
Represent Collins Aerospace to the customer and other internal and external stakeholders.
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
Demonstrated experience leading an avionics engineering project, systems engineering team, or software engineering development team.
Experience leading pursuit activities.
Prior experience presenting to both customers and senior leadership.
Experience with project cost/schedule/performance management using earned value principles and Microsoft Project.
Experience in ARP-4754 and DO-178 avionics certification requirements
Experience with project estimating/bidding and project planning
Qualifications we prefer:
Demonstrated experience leading Product Line execution teams.
Demonstrated experience with leading an Agile development.
Experience with Cert Dev Ops.
Experience with Pro Line Fusion
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
Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building
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!
Learn More & Apply Now!
Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application today.
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. Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world – and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings.
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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Keywords to mirror
agile
- Platform
- workday
- Effort
- long
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave
Wellness