Date Posted:
2026-02-12
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: **
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. 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 on day 1
We’re looking for a Principal Software Test Engineer to join our team in Cedar Rapids, IA, and take a leading role in shaping the future of military communications. At Collins Aerospace, our Communication Systems directorate delivers some of the most advanced solutions in the industry—technology that keeps military personnel safe, connected, and mission-ready.
In this role, you’ll lead the testing and validation of next-generation systems powering UAVs, fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and ground vehicles. From advanced satellite communications and cryptography to cutting-edge embedded computing architectures, you’ll ensure our solutions meet the highest standards for speed, security, and resilience.
If you’re ready to bring your expertise to the forefront and guide critical testing efforts that impact mission success, this is the role for you.
What You Will Do:
- Design, create, and integrate the software components of hardware test stations for factory and engineering labs which include:
- Work hands on, with test hardware equipment to develop software which tests military communication hardware products during the build and manufacturing process
- Analyze and understand requirements to ensure testability
- Develop clear and concise test objectives that guide the testing process and ensure comprehensive coverage
- Write software for both manual and automated test cases, with an objective to detect manufacturing defects, improve product quality and increase manufacturing yields
- Analyze test results for failures and discrepancies
- Work closely with other test engineers and product developers to verify product hardware is built correctly
- Coordinate and collaborate with Systems, Electrical and Mechanical engineering disciplines
- Help manage work across multiple programs
- Mentor, lead, and review work for lower-level engineers
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
- Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
- 3+ years experience programming in C# and Python languages
- 3+ years Experience with manual use or automation of test equipment such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, digital multimeters, and other equipment
- 3+ years Experience in validation, verification, testing, and requirements analysis
- Prior experience leading and managing projects
Qualifications We Prefer:
- Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Experience with SCPI commands, bug tracking, and test management tools
- Knowledge of software testing methods (functional, integration, regression, performance)
- Proficiency with Git/Subversion, Atlassian tools, and Agile (SAFe) environments
- Background in networking (TCP, UDP, Telnet) and embedded protocols (I2C, SPI, UART)
- Experience with Linux development and multi-threaded applications in C, C++, or Java
- High attention to detail with a track record of delivering quality results
What We Offer:
- 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!
Relocation Eligibility
- Eligible for relocation
Learn More & Apply Now!
Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.
- Please consider the following role type definitions as you apply for 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.
Employee Referral Eligible
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.
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