Principal Software Engineer, Tactical Communications

Salary: $107,500 - 204,500 per year

• Experience leading work across the full software development lifecycle
• U.S. citizenship, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Experience with software for communications or similar products
• Experience developing embedded software
• Experience with Python, C/C++, and/or Rust
• Typically, a STEM degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and at least 5 years of experience
• Preferred: Active U.S. Department of Defense clearance
• Preferred: Proficiency with Linux development environments and Git or other version control systems
• Preferred: Knowledge of networking and communications protocols
• Preferred: Experience with Rust, multithreading, and containerization
• Preferred: Experience with communications systems or software-defined radios
• Preferred: Experience developing open systems architecture and microservices for containerized environments
• Preferred: Experience applying software patterns, data structures, and algorithms to solve problems
• Preferred: Familiarity with Agile/Scrum environments
• Preferred: Ability to investigate complex problems to their root cause and champion solutions
• Preferred: Ability to design and implement solutions to complex problems with minimal guidance
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; an active Secret clearance is required after the first day

• Design and develop embedded software, networking, and communications products using C/C++ and Rust
• Help drive project success by planning and contributing directly to requirements, implementation, test development, and certification
• Develop tools and automated testing infrastructure to support continuous integration and development processes
• Mentor and guide software developers through technical and process challenges
• Lead large initiatives and organize team tasks to support timely delivery
• Support cost, schedule, and technical performance for our business and customers

• Embedded
• Git
• Support
• Linux
• Python
• Rust
• Security
• microservices
• C++
• Flow

More:

We are RTX, a global aerospace and defense company, and Collins Aerospace is our business delivering advanced solutions for the industry. Our Communication Systems teams develop embedded communications technologies, including software-defined radios, networking, cryptographic systems, and open-system platform software, supporting secure, real-time communications for military customers. As a Principal Software Engineer, youll work with experienced engineers and specialists on mission-critical systems and have opportunities to build technical leadership, collaborate across disciplines, and grow as a subject matter expert. This is an onsite role in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and relocation is available. The listed salary range is $107,500–$204,500; eligible benefits may include medical, dental and vision coverage, vacation, retirement contributions and matching, tuition reimbursement, insurance, family and wellness programs, and incentive compensation, subject to applicable terms.

last updated 43 week of 2026