Senior Principal Engineer, Software Engineering

Date Posted:

2026-11-06

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-131 ~ 5450 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 131

Position Role Type:

Unspecified

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Security Clearance Type:

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Rockwell Collins Inc. has an opening for a Senior Principal Engineer, Software Engineering in Cedar Rapids, IA. National travel up to one time per year.

 

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

 

What YOU will do

• Responsible for executing functional strategies and operational plans to achieve short- to medium-term goals related to Quality assessments and recommended improvement in the performance of Engineering related to quality results.
• Solve complex, undefined problems across functions, improving processes, and influencing organizational practices across the Quality and Engineering organizations by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and customers.
• Develop and implement functional strategies and operational goals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and delivering measurable short- to medium-term impact.
• Conduct in-depth investigations to identify root causes of complex, undefined problems and design innovative, research-driven solutions to address systemic issues across functions.
• Lead the creation and execution of new product assessments, processes, and standards to improve operational efficiency, enhance quality outcomes, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, customers, vendors, and regulatory bodies to align quality standards, operational improvements, and project objectives.
• Present data-driven insights, systemic findings, and improvement plan to executive leadership and external stakeholders, influencing decisions and driving strategic initiatives.
• Mentor and guide team members to strengthen their professional development, share best practices, and promote continuous improvement within the organization. 

 

Qualifications You Must Have

 

• Must possess at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering or related field and at least 10 years of progressive experience as a Software Engineer or related role in the Aerospace/Defense industry. In the alternative, at least a master’s degree or its equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering or related field and at least 7 years of experience as a Software Engineer or related role in the Aerospace/Defense industry would be acceptable.
• Must possess at least 7 years of experience with industry and aerospace standards applying RTCA DO-178B/C, DO-254, DO-330, DO-331, ARP4754, and AS9100 to safety-critical aerospace software and hardware development.
• Must possess at least 7 years of experience evaluating software engineering lifecycle artifacts, including plans, requirements, design, code, verification, certification evidence, and quality records to ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
• Must possess at least 7 years of experience identifying technical and process risks, leading root-cause investigations, driving corrective actions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, customers, and certification authorities.
• Must possess at least 5 years of experience performing independent software process assurance, lifecycle compliance assessments, audits, and certification readiness reviews for commercial aerospace programs.
• Non-US Person - Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. The company will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role.

 

Learn More & Apply Now!

 

Avionics: Our Avionics team advances flight deck solutions, airborne communications, vision systems, sensors and fire protection for commercial and military customers around the world. That means we’re helping people reach their destination safely and keeping pilots, passengers, flight crews, airlines, airports and military personnel connected and informed. And we’re providing industry-leading fire protection and safety systems that our customers can count on when it matters most. Are you ready to learn from the most knowledgeable experts in the industry, develop the technologies of tomorrow and reach new heights in your career? Join our Avionics team today.

 

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.  

The salary range is $135,803.00 to $251,600.00 USD per year. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

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.

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