Principal Embedded Software Engineer - Platform and Foundation Software; Onsite

Position Overview

Principal Embedded Platform Software Engineer – Onsite, U.S.

-based, location Cedar Rapids, IA. The role is focused on leading the development of embedded platform software for advanced avionics systems.

• Lead the design and development of embedded platform software for processor control, power management, system health monitoring, and hardware coordination.
• Architect and integrate secure boot flows, platform security mechanisms, and trusted initialization paths.
• Develop and guide implementation of low‑level drivers, HAL layers, diagnostics, and bring‑up tools for new processing hardware.
• Drive early embedded software development using virtual platforms (simulation, emulation, FPGA prototypes) prior to hardware availability.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight to subcontract suppliers developing bootloaders, BSPs, and secure startup software.
• Lead integration and validation of RTOS/BSP deliverables, including Wind River Helix components.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and SoC/MPSoC design teams to define hardware‑software interfaces and drive architectural decisions.
• Lead debugging and resolution of complex hardware/software interaction issues across pre‑silicon and post‑silicon phases.
• Support certification activities by contributing to design documentation, requirements traceability, verification strategies, and safety‑critical artifacts.
• Drive improvements in software processes, automation, pipelined build/test workflows, and development efficiency.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers, foster collaboration, and coordinate small team efforts.
• Identify risks, propose innovative solutions, and influence long‑term platform strategy.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Typically 8+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and embedded systems architecture.
• Experience with SoC/MPSoC platform software (experience with ASIC‑based platforms strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated experience leading small teams or technical work streams.
• Experience with virtual development environments (simulation, emulation, QEMU, FPGA prototypes).
• Hands‑on experience with driver development, hardware bring‑up, and system initialization flows.
• Background in avionics‑related capabilities such as system health monitoring, BIT, redundancy management, or deterministic scheduling.
• Strong knowledge of secure boot concepts, platform security, and trusted execution fundamentals.
• Experience working with pipelined build and test environments (CI/CD, automated build/test pipelines).
• Solid understanding of register‑level hardware interfaces, interrupts, and reset flows.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence cross‑functional teams.

• Experience with Wind River Helix RTOS or similar safety‑critical real‑time operating systems.
• Experience contributing to or leading avionics certification or safety‑critical development processes.
• Experience guiding early‑boot or secure startup software development.
• Experience driving process improvements, workflow automation, or architectural modernization initiatives.
• Experience coordinating with external suppliers or integrating third‑party bootloaders, BSPs, or RTOS deliverables.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees; generous 401(k) plan with employer matching; tuition reimbursement; student loan repayment; life and disability coverage; optional pet, house, auto, and other insurance; parental leave; fertility and family planning support; wellness programs; virtual doctor visits; child and elder care services; mental health counseling and employee assistance plan. Additional benefits may be available.

Salary range: $107,500

USD – $204,500

USD, depending on experience level and role. Additional compensation may include incentive programs and equity.

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.