Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Linux (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-06-18

 Country:

United States of America

 Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166

 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

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

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.

As a Principal Software Engineer in this organization, you will be involved in the development of state-of-the-art communications, information assurance, and general-purpose processing systems. The Applied Research and Technology directorate supports some of the most cutting-edge products across the enterprise. We develop innovative solutions that keep our military members safe, connected, and informed. Our team has some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry and work with all the most recent technologies in embedded software development. Within Collins Aerospace we work alongside FPGA, hardware, and systems teams in order to seamlessly embed our advanced technology into our Mission Systems product portfolio. Examples of these products range from high-frequency radios to secure, sophisticated software-defined radios that can enable pilots and soldiers to transfer data, voice and imagery over the air.

What You Will Do:

Design, develop and continuously enhance our customized Linux OS ecosystem and maintain ownership over areas such as build toolchain, kernel, root filesystem, bootloader, device drivers, and board support package (BSP) for a wide variety of hardware boards

Contribute to the design, coding, testing, delivery and ongoing support for embedded Linux software systems

Participate in root cause analysis and resolution of complex hardware-software issues

Prepare software builds for execution in a simulation environment, reference platforms and on the target hardware

Understand and utilize the appropriate Collins Aerospace processes and tools during product development, resulting in increased product quality and improving customer satisfaction

Contribute to engineering estimates for new program pursuits

Provide technical leadership for project design teams by breaking down work, planning activities, and reporting status

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

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

Proficiency with scripting languages (Bash and Python)

Proficiency with embedded C/C++

Experience with embedded Linux device drivers

Experience with board bring-up and target hardware integration

Experience with debugging and root cause investigations using hardware schematics and tools such as logic analyzer and Wireshark

Qualifications We Prefer:

Experience with GIT and SVN version control systems

Experience packaging custom Linux distribution with Buildroot.

Experience in developing and maintaining Linux BSPs for embedded systems

Development experience Agile methodologies and DevSecOps

Experience with industry cost estimation tools such as SEER-SEM

Able to demonstrate communication skills and an ability/desire to work in a team environment, establishing collaborative working relationships with peers and co-workers

Adaptable to change, determined to accomplish tasks based on program schedule and contribute to a positive work environment

Able to produce exemplary results on the projects and teams they collaborate with

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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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 whe