Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Comms (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-04-21

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 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, 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.

Join Collins Aerospace Mission Systems and help us connect the battlespace of tomorrow!

What You Will Do

• YOU will architect cutting-edge embedded software and communication products

• YOU will lead large efforts in complex, multi-threaded embedded software in C, C++ and Rust

• YOU will drive project success by serving as an expert to requirements, implementation, test development, and certification

• YOU will lead initiatives and teams

• YOU will guide your team, 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 your peers

• YOU will collaborate with experts in the software discipline, obtaining hands-on experience with new and innovative technologies 

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

• YOU will become a subject matter expert for our software domain, as well as on projects and programs 

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and 8 years of prior relevant experience OR an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience

• Experience in the full software development lifecycle 

• 5 years of experience with embedded software development

• 5 years of experience in C++ or C 

• Experience with Linux development environments

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with Rust

• Experience with Git or other version control systems 

• Experience with multithreading 

• Experience with networking and communications protocols 

• Experience with software containerization

• Comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments 

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 Pla