Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer (Onsite - Cedar Rapids, IA)

Date Posted:

2026-08-05

 Country:

United States of America

 Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-107 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 107

 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 Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

 Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

The Product Cybersecurity team is recruiting a Principal Embedded Systems Security Engineer for leading all phases of the Secure System Development Life Cycle. Our team supports development of products throughout the company wherever customers have security requirements, or the system is exposed to cyber threats via connectivity or operational use. Our team works on many aspects of cybersecurity including security control trades, concept of operations, pursuits, requirements development, secure architecture and design, secure coding, security testing, certification support and in-service support within avionics. Candidates are expected to be fluent in the latest security technologies and trends while applying them to embedded systems. This role involves identifying cyber threats and associated risks to new and existing products, influencing architectural designs, ensuring proper security implementation during development, and focusing on testing strategies to verify mitigation of perceived risks.

This role will be worked onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA. and will require an active or ability to obtain a SECRET clearance. Relocation assistance is available.

What You Will Do:

Be the security subject matter expert and lead for programs; work amongst system and software teams

Analyze systems to identify attack vectors and assess risks for new and existing products

Advising program leaders for inclusion of security technologies in strategic product roadmaps

Ensure proper implementation of security measures during product development

Develop, deploy and automate security tools and testing for identifying product security flaws

Characterize security vulnerability assessments and recommend mitigations for products

Guide adherence to military RMF processes and DO-326A/DO-356A Airworthiness Security process

Foster organizational adoption of the Avionics SSDLC

Evaluate & contribute to technical proposals and bids/pursuits

Mentor junior product security engineers advancing their skills and capabilities

Participate in cybersecurity focused industry committees and working groups

Qualifications You Must Have:

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience

U.S. citizenship is required , as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Experience in product cybersecurity, embedded software engineering, or secure system design

Embedded software engineering knowledge (Python and Java/C/C++)

Experience analyzing systems and security architectures

Qualifications We Prefer:

Active Secret clearance

Reviewing system and application vulnerabilities, threat models, and providing mitigations

Hands-on experience with static analysis and analyzing security impact of code defects

Executing System & Application Fuzzing / Resiliency Tests

Analysis experience of SELinux policies for proper process isolation/separation

Data/network security implementations and understand hardening with Operating Systems

Experience with system and application penetration testing

Experience with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

Experience with Military RMF process ando RTCA DO-326A / DO-356A

Security certifications (Sec+, OSCP, CISSP, etc.)

Networking knowledge (OSI Layers, protocols, etc.)

Curiosity and desire to continuously learn security concepts; willingness to share your knowledge within the organization

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

And more!

Learn More & Apply Now!

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).

Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.

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

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.

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