Senior Principal Software Engineer – Future Flight (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-09-09

 Country:

United States of America

 Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105

 Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

 Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

 Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

The Advance Technology organization, within Collins Aerospace, is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to develop and integrate prototype software and autonomy algorithms for Future Flight Autonomy projects. In Future Flight Autonomy, we focus on the automation and autonomous solutions needed to enable next generation aircraft capabilities and meet customer needs. You will take abstract concepts from new ideas to implemented practical solutions and collaborate across multiple domains supporting Simplified Vehicle Operation (SVO) and Single Pilot Operation (SPO) capable avionics.

We define, prototype, validate and transition autonomous capabilities to program or product teams and identify technologies for further investment. You will be a part of the team taking capabilities from concepts and high-level requirements to simulation and prototypes, integrated Lab solutions, and real-world test activities on experimental aircraft.

The successful candidate will be part of a distributed team composed of professionals from several disciplines and must have the ability to excel, both alone and with others, and have strong interpersonal skills.

What You Will Do

Lead and coordinate SW and algorithm development activities for new prototype concepts

Lead and coordinate simulation activities to mature capabilities for integration in lab environments and test Aircraft.

Define Concept of Operations and High-Level Requirements for advanced capabilities

Decompose capabilities to define necessary SW components

Integrate SW solutions and create functional prototypes

Engage with external domains to develop maturation and integration plans for advanced capabilities into existing platforms

Prepare and give demonstrations of new capabilities

Engage in Non-Advocate and Peer Review activities

Identifying the necessary activities and components for successful development

Communicate plans and status to engineering team and leadership; next steps, unknowns, dependencies, PoCs, challenges, etc.

Qualification 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

Experience with algorithm development, simulation, avionics systems, and software integration in lab and/or aircraft environments.

Demonstrated technical leadership, ownership, and ability to drive efforts across multiple stakeholders.

Experience with CONOPS, trade studies, Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), and rapid prototype development.

Ability to quickly build technical breadth in new and emerging technology areas while managing priorities and delivering on commitments.

Experience across the software development lifecycle, from requirements and design through integration, test, and successful program execution.

Qualifications We Prefer

Experience developing strategic technology roadmaps and evaluating emerging or disruptive technologies, including experience with external research partners.

Demonstrated ability to solve complex, ambiguous problems where no established solution exists and confidently recommend a path forward while incorporating feedback.

Experience taking concepts from early-stage research through prototype development and understanding the maturity required for transition to production.

Experience with patents, publications, technical presentations, and engagement with external technical communities, government standards committees, customers, and universities.

Experience leading and mentoring technical teams, working independently with minimal supervision, and balancing near-term priorities with long-term technology objectives.

Experience with software certification requirements

Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to clearly define technical needs, plans, and status.

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!

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.
• 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.

Employee Referral Eligible

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, flexib