Senior Software Engineer – Tactical Data and Autonomy; Onsite

About the Role

A Senior Software Engineer in Cedar Rapids, IA, will develop advanced data layer and orchestration technologies that enable distributed autonomous systems to operate in complex tactical environments. The position is onsite and requires U.S. citizenship and an existing DoD Secret security clearance. The engineer will focus on mission‑adaptive software, real‑time intelligence workflows, and resilient decision‑support capabilities for platforms operating in DDIL environments.

• Design and implement adaptive data‑layer components that manage how mission‑critical information is collected, processed, prioritized, and shared across distributed autonomous platforms in communications‑limited environments.
• Develop platform processing pipelines that apply machine‑learning–based analytics and sense making to transform raw sensor data into actionable mission intelligence at the tactical edge.
• Build decentralized orchestration and coordination capabilities enabling multi‑platform collaboration, dynamic task distribution, sensing workload management, and resilient mission execution.
• Implement mission‑adaptive routing, synchronization, and information‑flow logic optimized for DDIL operational environments.
• Develop intelligent decision‑support mechanisms using predictive analytics, reinforcement‑learning–inspired behaviors, and value‑of‑information methodologies.
• Support integration, simulation, and validation activities within laboratory and faster‑than‑real‑time experimentation environments to evaluate orchestration performance and system adaptability under realistic mission conditions.
• Collaborate across engineering teams to develop scalable, resilient autonomous system architectures supporting next‑generation aerospace and defense missions.

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with at least 3 years of experience.
• Experience developing software in Python, C++, Go, or Rust.
• Experience working with APIs, machine‑to‑machine communication frameworks, or cross‑platform system integration.
• Experience developing or deploying containerized applications using Docker, Kubernetes, or similar orchestration platforms.
• Preferred:
  Distributed systems experience (data processing, event‑driven or microservices, or low‑latency architectures in constrained environments).
• Preferred:
  Experience integrating AI/ML or analytics into operational or real‑time software systems.
• Preferred:
  Experience with autonomous systems, multi‑agent coordination, or mission‑aware software architectures.
• Preferred:
  Experience working in communications‑constrained, distributed, or resilient system environments.
• Preferred:
  Experience with modeling/simulation tools (AFSIM, RCADE) and/or DoD mission interfaces and standards (UDL, OMS, etc.).

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching funds and a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program and student loan repayment program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages including pet, home and auto, additional life and accident, critical illness, group legal, and  protection.
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.
• Employee Assistance Plan with up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Wellness incentives, mental health resources, and virtual doctor visits.
• Child and elder care services.
• Additional benefits such as life insurance, disability, and tuition reimbursement.

Salary range: $86,800 – $165,200 USD, based on experience and location.

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 in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with applicable federal law.