Principal Platform Software Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-10-27 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-131 ~ 5450 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 131 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The company will offer immigration sponsorship for this position, if needed.​ The company will not seek an export authorization for this role. Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required Security Clearance Status: Not Required 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. Join our Advanced Processing Architectures organization as a Principal Embedded Platform Software Engineer, where you will influence the design, development, and integration of the foundational software that enables secure, deterministic, and high‑performance operation of next‑generation avionics processing platforms. In this role, you will define technical direction across programs, shape platform architecture, and guide teams developing critical early‑boot, hardware‑bring‑up, HAL, diagnostic, and platform‑security components that support advanced SoC and ASIC‑based systems. You will collaborate across systems, hardware, software, and verification disciplines to ensure cohesive platform behavior, introduce innovative solutions to complex hardware/software challenges, and drive engineering excellence through technical mentorship and cross‑team leadership. This role provides an opportunity to influence program‑level strategy, strengthen development workflows, and elevate the technical capabilities of the broader platform engineering community. WHAT YOU WILL DO Lead program‑level technical strategy for embedded platform software, including secure boot flows, early‑boot initialization, SoC/ASIC bring‑up, HAL frameworks, diagnostics, and platform security features Apply expert knowledge to design software for complex embedded multiprocessor systems and provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems Guide system architecture and review software designs for technical soundness, maintainability, and alignment with program goals Define and improve development processes, workflows, and documentation practices across the program Oversee integration and technical evaluation of supplier‑provided bootloaders, BSP components, and platform software deliverables Produce high‑quality documentation including design artifacts, test procedures, integration guides, and internal training material Collaborate closely with systems, hardware, safety, and software teams to ensure well‑understood, repeatable, and reliable platform behavior Utilize Agile development methods, automation tools, and continuous integration pipelines to drive efficient and consistent software delivery Mentor engineers across levels (P1–P3) and support the development of future technical leaders 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 Experience with at least two of the following: embedded C/C++ development, scripting languages (Python, Perl, etc.) to automate development or integration task, embedded security/secure boot, software architecture design Experience developing embedded software for complex SoCs or custom ASIC‑based systems, including board bring‑up, diagnostics, or low‑level driver/HAL development Experience working with embedded RTOS environments (e.g., VxWorks, Integrity, Green Hills, Linux) including BSP integration and configuration Experience developing systems involving hardware, firmware, and software integration QUALIFICATIONS WE PREFER Experience developing, verifying or certifying software in DO-178 B/C at high assurance levels or similar rigor Self‑starter with demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and follow through on complex tasks Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills Experience with Agile methods, CI/CD pipelines, Git‑based workflows, and automated test frameworks Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate technical intent and drive alignment across teams Demonstrated ability to lead technical decision‑making at a program level and evaluate multiple solution paths effectively 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 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 Eligible for relocation assistance And more! Learn More & Apply Now!​ Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application today. *Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily 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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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