Senior Principal Systems Engineer (ONSITE)

Date Posted: 2026-07-13 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: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: Secret - Current Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1 Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, 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. We are seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to join our Multi-Domain Data Links group in Cedar Rapids, IA. You will play a key part in shaping and developing advanced systems that support encrypted, protected communications for military forces around the globe. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complete, innovative solutions that meet the complex needs of both U.S. and international defense customers. You will be responsible for leading system-level design, integration, and validation, helping bring highly secure and reliable technologies from concept to deployment. Your work will directly contribute to mission success and national security. What You Will Do • Perform analysis, architecture and design at all levels of the total system product including concept, design, fabrication, modeling, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal • Contribute to all phases of the systems engineering lifecycle, including trade studies, system architecture, requirements definition and allocation, traceability, integration, verification, qualification, and certification • Partner with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful execution of key program milestones • Provide systems engineering support to bids and proposals, contributing to technical strategy and solution development • Perform daily tasks in a classified and controlled lab environment • Up to 25% travel for customer support and cross-functional collaboration Qualifications You Must Have • Experience in hardware troubleshooting • Experience in the integration of hardware, software, and firmware as a system • Experience in developing, revising, and optimizing test and acceptance procedures • Prior experience in system-level development, including requirements definition, analysis, integration, and/or risk mitigation • Active and transferable SECRET clearance is required prior to start date • U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance • 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 Qualifications We Prefer • Familiarity with the Scaled Agile framework • Exceptionally strong communication skills, experience presenting technical data to program management and executive leadership • Familiarity with Cryptographic Hardware architecture/design, Network Encryption specifications and test methodologies • Experience with tools such as DOORS, CAMEO or similar, Software Languages such as Rust and Python • Experience with the systems development process, including requirements capture, design, decomposition, integration, and verification/validation, and transition to production • Experience with Earned Value and Earned Value Management (EVM) 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 • This position is eligible for relocation assistance • And more! 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 ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to 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 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. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.