Sr Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Communications (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-04-28

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

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 Collins Aerospace, we don’t just build technology—we engineer mission success. Our Communication Systems teams are on the front lines of innovation, designing and delivering cutting-edge embedded communication solutions that keep military forces around the world safe, connected, and informed—no matter the environment.

We’re looking for a Senior Principal Software Engineer who’s ready to make an impact. In this role, you won’t just write code—you’ll help shape the future of secure communications. From software-defined radios and advanced networking to state-of-the-art cryptographic systems and open system platform software, your work will drive critical real-time communications that enable pilots and soldiers to securely share voice, video, and data when it matters most.

Here, you’ll collaborate with top-tier engineers and industry experts, leveraging advanced technologies to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you're building on trusted systems or breaking ground on new innovations, your contributions will directly support mission-critical operations across the globe.

If you're passionate about solving complex challenges, excited by the idea of working on systems that truly matter, and driven to grow alongside some of the brightest minds in the field—we want you on our team.

What You Will Do

• YOU will architect, design, and develop cutting-edge embedded software and communication products in C/C++ and Rust 

• YOU will drive project success by planning and leading efforts for requirements, implementation, test development, and certification 

• YOU will develop innovative tools and automated testing infrastructures that support Continuous Integration and Continuous Development processes

• YOU will serve as a technical lead, mentoring and guiding software developers to ensure successful execution and professional growth 

• YOU will lead large initiatives and organize tasks for team members, ensuring timely delivery 

• YOU will impact our business and our customers: supporting cost, schedule, and technical performance 

What You Will Learn

• YOU will gain technical leadership experience and mentorship opportunities to develop talent for yourself and others 

• YOU will collaborate with fellow subject matter experts and industry specialists, obtaining hands-on experience with new and innovative technologies 

• YOU will engage with a multidisciplinary team to develop a cross-functional skillset 

• YOU will grow into a subject matter expert on your projects and programs 

Qualifications You Must Have: 

• Typically requires a University 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 in leading efforts across the full software development lifecycle 

• Experience with software for communications or similar products

• 7 years of experience with embedded software development

• 7 years of experience in Python and C/C++

Qualifications We Prefer: 

• Active U.S. Department of Defense Clearance 

• Proficient with Linux development environments 

• Proficient with Git and other version control systems 

• Knowledgeable in networking and communications protocols 

• Experience with Rust programming language

• Experience with multithreading and containerization

• Experience with communications systems or software-defined radios

• Experience developing open systems architecture and microservices for containerized environments

• Experience applying patterns, data structures, and algorithms to solve problems in software systems

• Comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments 

• Ability to investigate complex problems to root cause and champion the creation and implementation of solutions

• Ability to architect, design, and imple