Principal ‑Speed Hardware Engineer; Onsite

Principal Hardware Electrical Engineer

We are seeking a Principal Hardware Electrical Engineer to help shape the next generation of secure, high‑speed communication systems for ground, airborne, and space platforms. This electrical design and leadership role, based in Cedar Rapids, IA, involves influencing the architecture and development of high‑speed digital circuit card assemblies (CCAs) and collaborating closely with cross‑functional partners throughout the hardware development lifecycle.

• Electronic Circuit Design:
  Design high‑speed digital CCAs from requirements and schematic capture through PCB layout, integration, and production.
• Technical Mentoring:
  Mentor Hardware Engineers on high‑speed digital design principles, PCB layout techniques, and hardware development best practices.
• SI/PI Optimization:
  Ensure robust signal and power integrity via advanced modeling, simulation, and hardware validation.
• Design Optimization:
  Champion Design to Cost, Design for Manufacturing, and Design for Test principles to ensure producible, cost‑effective, and testable designs.
• Hardware Verification & Test Support:
  Perform hardware integration and Design Verification Testing, while providing technical support for Product Qualification Testing, factory production, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Cross‑Functional & Stakeholder
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Collaborate across Systems, Software, and Mechanical Engineering teams and serve as the primary technical interface to align internal stakeholders and customers.

• Expertise in high‑speed digital design for complex multilayer PCBs (12+ layers) with strong understanding of DFM/DFT, PCB fabrication, controlled impedance design, board assembly, and design verification testing.
• Demonstrated end‑to‑end circuit card development experience — from concept through production — including schematic capture, layout, bring‑up, and integration.
• Proficiency with PCB design tools such as Xpedition, Cadence Allegro, or Altium Designer.
• Hands‑on SI/PI analysis experience with tools such as Hyper Lynx, ADS, or SPICE.
• A STEM degree and minimum 8 years relevant experience, or an advanced degree and minimum 5 years experience.
• U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance (Secret) is required.

• Active SECRET Security Clearance or higher.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Advanced knowledge of high‑speed protocols such as PCIe, Ethernet, and high‑speed memory interfaces.
• Experience with Controlled Account Manager (CAM) and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) for hardware development.
• Ability to prepare estimates, bids, and proposals.
• Previous experience in a defense or aerospace company.
• Experience with Agile hardware development (Scrum Master/Product Owner) and JIRA.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and separate retirement contribution
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student loan repayment program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional supplemental coverages (pet, home, auto, additional life, accident, critical illness, legal,  protection)
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Employee assistance plan with counseling sessions
• Wellness incentives and rewards program
• Virtual doctor visits via Doctor on Demand
• Child and elder care services through Bright Horizons
• Second opinion program via Teladoc Medical Experts
• Eligible for relocation

This role may be assigned to the following locations based on business need:
Cedar Rapids, IA;
Fort Wayne, IN.

Onsite.

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. RTX provides affirmative action for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with applicable laws.