Principal Systems Engineer - Onsite

Date Posted:

2026-09-16

 Country:

United States of America

 Location:

US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS

 Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

 Security Clearance Type:

Secret - Current

 Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Principal Systems Engineer - Onsite

At RTX, the world 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.

Role Description:

As our next Principal Systems Engineer you will be integral to the to the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for military platforms. This role enables the delivery of high-fidelity training capabilities that accurately replicate mission systems, enabling aircrew and operators to train effectively in simulated environments.

The ideal candidate brings systems engineering experience, a strong knowledge of avionics, mission systems or autonomous systems, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a defense or aerospace environment.

This position requires: US Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance Day 1 .

Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Sterling, VA location.

Sign-on Bonus Eligible

What YOU will do:

Be the focal point for systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and sustainment

Interface with customers, program managers, and internal stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements

Ensure training systems accurately represent aircraft mission systems, including radar, communications, and command & control functions

Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers to integrate subsystems into cohesive training solutions

Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies related to system performance, integration, and delivery

Support upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management for existing training systems

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes ​

Qualifications You Must Have:

Experience with capture, analysis and decomposition of System requirements

Understanding of the Product Development Lifecycle – from CONOPS to Sustainment

Must have experience with Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) design tools (Enterprise Architect, Cameo, or equivalent) using SysML

Ability to work in a classified environment and obtain/maintain required security clearance

Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Requires on-site presence in a classified lab space.

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

Active and transferable U.S. Government DoD Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date.

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

Qualifications We Prefer:

Background in simulation and training system development

Experience working in a SAFe Agile environment

Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed simulation or virtual training environments

Experience with hardware/software integration and lab environments

Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and standards

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!

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.

*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.

Relocation: Assistance may be provided

Employee Referral Eligible

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.

#MISENG

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 118,300 USD - 224,900 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