Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Cybersecurity (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-05-15

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 the forefront of innovation, our Crypto team within the Secure Mission Solutions directorate is pioneering advanced embedded cryptographic capabilities for U.S. military communications products. By collaborating closely with the NSA, we ensure that our military communications are both secure and trustworthy.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a crucial role in leading the design, development, integration, and verification of our embedded encryption algorithms. Your expertise in C++, Python, and embedded Linux will enable you to drive impactful projects and mentor other engineers, shaping the next generation of secure communications technology.

While knowledge of secure systems, secure software development, or cryptographic applications is advantageous, it’s not a strict requirement. Experience in an Agile environment is also preferred.

Join us and be part of a team that is not just building technology but actively shaping the future of secure military communications. Your contributions will make a significant difference. Are you ready to take on this exciting challenge?

What YOU will do:

• Champion Software Development and Integration : Lead the architecture and evolution of a multi-threaded embedded C++ product codebase, setting the standard for innovation and excellence at the forefront of technology.

• Architect Cutting-Edge Embedded Solutions : Spearhead the design and development of advanced embedded cryptographic solutions and communications products, ensuring they align with long-term strategic goals and industry standards.

• Steer Project Success : Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define comprehensive requirements, oversee software implementation, and drive test case development, verification test execution, and certification processes.

• Mentor and Inspire : Cultivate a high-performing engineering culture by mentoring and empowering software developers, enhancing technical expertise and promoting best practices for process improvement.

• Elevate Security and Reliability : Take a proactive role in shaping products that significantly enhance the security and reliability of critical communications systems, influencing best practices and guiding the direction of future innovations.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• 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

• Software development and integration experience embedded C and C++ product software.

• Software development and integration experience on complex multi-threaded product software code bases.

• Experience with standard full lifecycle software development practices and configuration management tools.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Knowledge and experience in embedded security software development and integration.

• Comfortable working in a Linux development environment, with experience in mutexes, semaphores, queues, and inter-process communication.

• Exposure to crypto algorithms and their implementation

• Ability to mentor engineers on software development skills and practices.

• Strong desire to collaborate in a team environment, with experience in Agile methodologies.

• Proven track record of meeting project milestones and driving process efficiency improvements.

• Experience leading teams and managing projects through the full software lifecycle.

• Proficiency in scripting languages like Python and experience with IP networking and networking protocols.

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

• Eligible for relocation

• And more! 

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.

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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