Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Air Combat Training (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-01-07

Country:

United States of America

Location:

HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE , Cedar Rapids, IA, 52498-0505 USA

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Air Combat Training (Onsite)

The Air Combat Test & Training (ACTT) Department within Mission Systems is committed to enhancing training capability and realism, enabling U.S. warfighters and international partners to “train like you fight.” Our ACTT engineering team develops state-of-the-art cryptographic, datalink, networking, and command and control systems that support threat and weapon simulations. These advanced systems allow military pilots to practice combat maneuvers in the air without the risks or cost associated with firing live weapons. We specialize in designing secure Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) systems, guiding them from concept through accreditation, production, and installation.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as the creator and keeper of system development plans, processes, and technical vision throughout the system development lifecycle
• Lead the team in creating and maintaining system designs, technical performance measures, interface definitions, requirements, analyses, trade studies, and other documentation in an agile environment
• Present technical solutions, progress, and findings to leadership and customers during design reviews and technical meetings
• Build strong relationships and communicate effectively with multi-disciplinary team members, engineering leadership, program management, and customers
• Plan, manage, and communicate project cost, schedule, and risk
• Guide and influence across multiple programs/projects
• Travel a few times per year

Qualifications You Must Have:

• 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 or in absence of a degree, 14 years of relevant experience
• Must have or be capable of obtaining a US Department of Defense (DoD) Secret or above security clearance
• Experience with the systems development process, including requirements, design, integration, test, and documentation of systems, subsystems, or software
• Experience making decisions that impact cost, schedule, and technical performance

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience in a customer-facing role
• Subject Matter Expert in military networking, communication, navigation, cybersecurity, or encryption systems or avionics data buses
• Experience with the manufacturing and production of complex avionics
• Background as a Control Account Manager (CAM) using earned value management
• Experience developing technical proposals and leading bids and pursuits
• Outstanding communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
• Strong mentoring skills, both technically and professionally
• Experience leading in an Scaled Agile environment using Jira tracking
• Familiarity with US export regulations: International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• Proficient working with requirements in DOORS
• Experience with Model-Based Design (MBD)/Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools like Cameo, Simulink, or SysML
• Currently hold a security clearance or have held one within the past two years

Location Details: Cedar Rapids - Vibrant & Affordable - A Great Place to Thrive

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has evolved from its agricultural roots into a vibrant community perfect for living, working, and playing. With over 275,000 residents, the area provides a rich array of arts, entertainment, dining, and shopping options. Despite this, the cost of living is 10% less than the national average and most commutes are under 20 minutes. The city's cultural scene comes alive with performances at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse arena, outdoor McGrath Amphitheatre, and historic Paramount Theatre. Sports fans can feel the excitement of Big Ten games at the nearby University of Iowa or cheer on local minor league teams. The region boasts extensive trails, parks, golf courses, and waterways for various outdoor recreation opportunities. This thriving city also stands out for excellent schools, top-tier hospitals, enriching museums, and a calendar packed with fun festivals and fairs. Cedar Rapids is a dynamic and welcoming community that offers the perfect blend of affordability and a high quality of life, making it an ideal place to call home.

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance  
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees  
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes 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 you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection 
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits 
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning  
• Adoption Assistance           
• Autism Benefit  
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions  
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program 
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits  
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services 
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program  
• Eligible for relocation assistance
• And more!  

Learn More & Apply Now!

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. 

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

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.   

  

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.   

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.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. 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.

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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