Senior Principal Engineer - Rotary Wing Systems (Onsite)

Company: RTX
Location: Cedar Rapids
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Date Posted: 2026-03-30 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-182 ~ 1100 Cimmie Ave Ne ~ BLDG 182 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 This is a great time to join the Rotary Wing Systems team. After more than two decades of field-proven performance with the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), we are embarking on a major modernization effort across all customer fleets. Our mission is to deliver Modular Open Systems Architectures (MOSA) that will power the next generation of rotary?wing platforms. We are seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to serve as a key technical leader within Rotary Wing Systems, part of the Military Avionics & Helicopters organization at Collins Aerospace. In this role, you will shape system architectures, guide engineering strategy for major pursuits and programs, and serve as the Systems Engineering discipline focal for the entire Rotary Wing portfolio. You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, program, and customer partners to influence the future of our avionics solutions. What You Will Do: Provide systems engineering leadership for assigned rotary wing platforms, pursuits and projects. Provide platform/ aircraft level systems domain knowledge for systems, products and/or subsystem functionality within assigned rotary wing platforms. Provide engineering leadership, coordination, and management of bids/pursuits and budget planning estimate activities. Provide engineering leadership/architecture support to Program Management and Business Development in various pursuit and bid activities to successfully capture new and follow-on business. Understanding of basic cockpit instrumentation/procedures and experience with military products/platforms and customers. Coordinate and manage aircraft obsolescence strategies and avionics road mapping activities across Collins Aerospace teams. Regular communication, interface and coordination with customers including being a point of contact for technical inquires, tradeshows, and other customer contact opportunities. Ensuring that all systems activities are completed per the RTX Lifecycle Pro gram Management (RLPM) Framework . Working with the pursuit TPM and Program Manager to create and maintain estimates of schedule, budget, and staffing while ensuring the project remains on schedule and within budget. Expertise and management in the areas of Earned Value Management (EVM), Cost Account Management (CAM), Change Management, and Risk Management (RM). Ability to evaluate and report overall engineering performance to plan as appropriate . Ability to analyze data and determine appropriate actions to correct program problems before they impact the overall program. Ability to train and mentor other engineers. A strong communicator with others, both written and verbal. Experience and ability to effectively use DOORS, JAMA, JIRA, BMW, and ALM tool suites. Experience and ability to effectively use Microsoft Project, PowerPoint, and Excel. Demonstrate self-starter personality traits as well as the ability to work autonomously. Knowledge of Collins Aerospace Avionics Engineering processes and tools, and the ability to manage complex, organizationally matrixed projects. Candidate must be able to travel up to 10% time. Qualifications 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. 5 years of prior systems engineering experience. Applicant must be capable of obtaining a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Security Clearance, and U.S. Citizenship is . Qualifications We Prefer: Significant aircraft systems or test experience with military aircraft ( Rotary Wing platforms desirable). Knowledge and experience working with avionics military and civil regulatory and certification requirements. Experience with Agile development method. Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Digital Acquisition. Experience with high profile pursuit activities and interfacing with senior leadership, both internal and external to the company . Adaptable and emotionally flexible to changes in assignments, responsibilities, and resources. Highly self-motivated and contributing to a positive work environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Dedicated to team success over individual success. Works successfully in team-centric environments. Willing to work beyond 40 hours per week as requested as a full-time salaried employee . What We Offer: Benefits: 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! This position may be eligible for relocation. 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 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, 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 it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window. RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms

Keywords: RTX, Davenport , Senior Principal Engineer - Rotary Wing Systems (Onsite), Engineering , Cedar Rapids, Iowa