Principal Systems Engineer – SOA CAAS Test Lead (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-08-11

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:

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

At RTX, the world's 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.

Are you ready to shape the future of military rotorcraft avionics?

Join our Rotary Wing Platform Systems Team within Integrated Avionics Systems at Collins Aerospace. You will support the development, integration, and testing of the Special Operations Aviation (SOA) Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) across multiple rotary-wing platforms.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to serve as the SOA CAAS Test Lead. This position requires a self-starter capable of independently leading complex test activities, solving technical problems, mentoring engineers, and working directly with our government customers.

What You Will Do:

• Lead SOA CAAS system-level test activities including requirements-based verification, robustness testing, lab integration, and aircraft testing.
• Own test planning, readiness, execution, status, and technical coordination for CAAS software releases and system updates.
• Develop and review requirements, test procedures, test plans, schedules, reports, and verification artifacts.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex hardware, software, aircraft, and interface integration issues.
• Coordinate test activities across Platform Systems, software CSCIs, architecture, safety, airworthiness, program leadership, and customer stakeholders.
• Maintain and integrate Collins Aerospace and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) within system integration laboratories.
• Support aircraft ground and flight test activities, including preparation, configuration, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• Provide technical mentorship and direction to systems and test engineers.
• Represent the SOA CAAS team in technical discussions with customers and internal engineering organizations.
• Support bids and pursuits through test planning, technical input, and engineering estimates.
• Willingness to travel domestically and potentially internationally, typically <10% annually, with schedule flexibility during formal test events.

What You Will Learn:

• Expand your expertise in CAAS architecture, integration, qualification, and aircraft testing.
• Lead multidisciplinary test activities from initial planning through formal verification and aircraft execution.
• Build direct relationships with government customers, operators, and test organizations.
  Influence future CAAS capabilities, test strategies, and the technical development of the SOA CAAS team.
• Gain extensive experience integrating complex avionics systems across Special Operations Aviation rotary-wing platforms.

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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD SECRET security clearance after day 1.
• Experience in systems engineering, avionics integration, system verification, or requirements-based testing.
• Experience independently leading complex engineering or test activities.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class III Flight Physical.
• Collins Aerospace Common Avionics Architecture Sys