Principal Systems Engineer - Secure Systems

Salary: $107,500 - 204,500 per year Requirements:

• We need a STEM degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field with at least 5 years of experience.
• We require an active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance before the start date, along with U.S. citizenship eligibility for clearance.
• We expect experience with the systems development lifecycle, including requirements capture, design, decomposition, integration, verification and validation, and transition to production.
• We prefer familiarity with the Scaled Agile framework.
• We value strong communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to program management and executive leadership.
• We prefer experience with cryptographic hardware architecture and design, network encryption specifications, and test methodologies.
• We look for experience with tools such as DOORS, CAMEO, or similar, as well as programming languages such as Rust and Python.
• We prefer experience with hardware and software integration, validation and verification testing, and qualification testing.

• We perform analysis, architecture, and design across the full system lifecycle, from concept and fabrication through testing, operation, maintenance, and disposal.
• We conduct functional analyses, trade studies, requirements allocation, and interface definition work to translate customer needs into hardware and software specifications.
• We decompose customer and system-level requirements into subsystem and component-level requirements, and we develop verification criteria and plans.
• We carry out technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk assessments, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for end-to-end system solutions.
• We contribute to bid and proposal efforts.

• Hardware
• Support
• Network
• Python
• Rust
• Security

More:

We are Collins Aerospace, an RTX company and a leader in advanced, intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our Mission Systems Secure Systems team supports civilian, military, and government customers with secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft, and collaborative space solutions. This is an onsite role in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and it is sign-on bonus eligible and eligible for relocation assistance. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) with employer matching; tuition reimbursement; student loan repayment; life and disability insurance; parental leave; wellness and family support programs; virtual care options; child and elder care services; and more. The role is U.S.-based and may include in-person interview steps as part of our secure hiring process.

last updated 33 week of 2026