Principal Software Engineer- Resilient Networking; Onsite

Position

Principal Software Engineer – Collins Aerospace, Applied Research & Technology (ART) – Cedar Rapids, IA (Onsite). U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

• Lead the design, development, and integration of advanced resilient networking software systems and architectures.
• Lead small multi‑functional teams (4–6 engineers) on technical program aspects, including design, build, test, and demonstration.
• Train, mentor, and oversee the efforts of less experienced engineers.
• Architect and drive execution across the full software lifecycle—concept, modeling, implementation, integration, field demonstration, and product transition.
• Frame problems and translate mission needs into testable technical objectives.
• Design and run experiments; analyze results to iterate on concepts and implementations.
• Capture architectures, designs, test results, and lessons learned for reuse.
• Evaluate networking technologies such as MANET protocols, secure routing techniques, and adaptive mesh architectures.
• Contribute to proposals, white papers, and technical briefings.
• Travel up to 15% of the time.

• Degree in a STEM field or equivalent experience, and at least 8 years of relevant experience (or advanced degree with minimum 5 years of experience).
• Minimum 5+ years embedded software development (C, C++, Rust, Python, Bash).
• Proficient with modern build systems (Make, CMake, SCons) and version control tools (Git, SVN) in complex or real‑time embedded environments.
• Background in embedded Linux systems, networked applications, networking stack implementation, or BSP development.
• Strong understanding of modern networking technologies (IPv4/IPv6, routing protocols, multicast, NAT, TCP/UDP, OLSR, OSPF, PIM, IPSec, VPN, QoS, ACLs).
• Experience defining system‑level requirements and creating scalable software architectures.
• Experience with MANETs, Tactical Data Links, or distributed network systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government‑issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above).
• Strong experience in networking stack implementation, embedded Linux, or board support packages.
• Experience integrating embedded software with FPGA/firmware systems.
• Understanding of RF concepts, waveform interactions, and cross‑layer impacts on networking performance.
• Experience working with DoD research organizations such as DARPA, ONR, AFRL, or similar.
• Experience writing proposals and responding to BAAs, RFIs, or RFPs.
• Experience transitioning technology from R&D (TRL3–6) into product.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to convey complex concepts to stakeholders.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with 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 (pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal,  protection).
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
• Adoption Assistance.
• Autism Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Plan with up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits.
• Bright Horizons and Teladoc provider services for child and elder care.
• Second‑opinion program and other health benefits.

Location:

108 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE, Building 108, Cedar Rapids, IA.

Role Type:
Onsite (employees work primarily onsite).

Travel: up to 15% of time.

Salary range: $107,500 USD – $204,500 USD.

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.