Senior Systems Engineering Manager - Lead Defense Systems
Listed on 2026-07-08
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Engineering
Systems Engineer, Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics
Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 ~ 5350 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 130
Date Posted:
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 ~ 5350 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 130
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.
The Air Combat Test & Training (ACTT) team delivers advanced, secure systems that enable U.S. and allied aircrews to train with high‑fidelity, combat-representative environments. We are looking for a Senior Systems Engineering Manager to join our team. Our engineering organization develops cryptographic, datalink, networking, and command-and-control capabilities that support threat and weapon simulations, allowing warfighters to rehearse complex tactics safely and cost‑effectively.
We design, accredit, produce, and field secure Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) systems from concept through installation.
We are seeking a decisive, collaborative technical leader who operates with clarity, drives results, anticipates change, and builds high-performing teams while demonstrating integrity and accountability. The successful candidate will lead a systems engineering team to meet cost, schedule, and technical performance commitments while partnering closely with project engineers and program management. They will provide technical leadership, oversee design and development execution, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and approve proposals.
What You Will Do
- Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers on complex projects as a Section Lead
- Coach your team through all V&V activities in their supported ACTT programs
- Ensure team assets and lab spaces are always ready for execution
- Lead a team that constructively participates in ACTT program execution battle rhythms
- Seek out complex problems to solve within your team’s assigned scope
- Routinely lead RCCAs and share lessons learned across the department
- Challenge your team’s overall execution performance, identifying methods to improve work quality and be more cost competitive
- Lead a wide range of entry-level to highly experienced engineers
- Demonstrate technical expertise in processing platforms and the associated technologies
- Travel up to 10% annually
- Subject Matter Expert in at least one Technical Engineering Area:
Aerospace, Project, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Systems - Strong communicator, able to interface with the spectrum of individual contributors to execute leadership
- Exceptionally dependability – consistently take extreme ownership to drive predictable results, act with high integrity, and create systems to improve team efficiency
- Active and transferable U.S. government issued SECRET security 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
- Experience participating in proposals greater than $5M NRE
- Experience with air combat or military training concepts of operation
- Experience with U.S. export regulations including ITAR and EAR
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
- Strong communication behaviors with team members, internal stakeholders, and external customers
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…
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