Principal Systems Engineer - Avionics Certification (ONSITE)

Date Posted:
2026-02-13
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-121 ~ 350 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 121
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 seek an export authorization for this role, if required. RTX must be able to obtain and maintain the U.S. export authorization.
Security Clearance Type:
None/Not Required
Security Clearance Status:
Not Required

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join the Integrated Flight Systems Product Line Engineering group. This team focuses on certification and process expertise collaborating with Programs, the internal Certification Office, Customers, and Regulators to ensure Airworthiness of Avionics Systems. Additionally, the group handles system-level activities, including design, integration, testing, and FMS Systems Engineering SME support for platforms such as the Bombardier Global series, Airbus A220, Embraer Praetor, ARJ21 C909, and commercial derivative programs.

This is an onsite position based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Responsibilities:

• We are seeking a highly skilled professional with a strong technical background in Avionics Systems Engineering and Certification. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in ARP4754A certification activities and will play a key role in supporting the development lifecycle of software and hardware integration for Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Systems, including Fusion IPS and NextGen architectures.
• This is an on-site position requiring close collaboration with program teams to produce critical certification documentation, such as Change Impact Analyses, Certification Plans, Certification Summaries, System Verification Summary Reports, Traceability Documents, TSO compliance matrices, Open Problem Reports, and other supporting materials.
• The candidate will be responsible for managing and submitting Job Aids and forms to the Certification Office as part of SOI1-SOI4 and TSO activities. This position involves capturing the program's lifecycle through detailed documentation and preparing comprehensive summaries and reports to substantiate airworthiness. Acting as the Certification Focal, the candidate will interface with Internal Teams, Management, Certification Office, OEMs, and Regulatory Authorities, including supporting audit activities, providing regular updates, status reports, and metrics on certification progress.
• Secondary responsibilities involve collaborating on the design, development, integration, troubleshooting, and testing of Avionics Systems. This includes operating and supporting rig facilities during testing phases and troubleshooting activities. A solid understanding of aircraft operational fundamentals is desirable, as the candidate will be required to execute flight test scenarios to validate system performance.

What you will do:

• Lead system-level ARP4754A certification activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
• Create, maintain, and manage certification artifacts, including Change Impact Analyses, Certification Plans, Certification Summaries, System Verification Summary Reports, Traceability Documents, TSO compliance matrices, and Open Problem Reports.
• Own and oversee the submission of Job Aids and forms to the certification office, supporting SOI1-SOI4 and TSO activities.
• Prepare comprehensive summaries and reports to substantiate the airworthiness of Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Systems for Fusion IPS and NextGen architectures.
• Act as the Certification Focal, collaborating with internal program teams, management, certification offices, OEMs, and regulatory authorities to ensure alignment and success.
• Provide regular updates on program status and certification metrics to key stakeholders.
• Ensure traceability and compliance across all phases of the development lifecycle, adhering to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers across multiple organizations, fostering a positive and productive team environment.

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
• Proven ability to work effectively in a regulatory-intensive and process-driven environment.
• Hands-on experience with Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) and Integrated Processing Systems (IPS) at the system level.
• Direct experience with ARP4754A processes and activities.
• Proficiency with Systems Engineering tools such as JIRA, DOORS, and JAMA.
• Strong understanding of Avionics, aircraft Systems, and Subsystems.

Qualifications we prefer:

• Knowledge across multiple Avionics functional areas.
• Prior experience with full development cycles, Avionics certification, and a strong understanding of lifecycle activities and deliverables for Avionics programs.
• Experience working within regulatory environments, including DO-254, DO-160, DO-178B/C, DO-297, ARP4754A, and FAA/TCCA/EASA standards.
• Proficiency in supporting testing activities, including operating rig facilities and troubleshooting during testing phases.
• Ability to execute flight test scenarios by leveraging a solid understanding of aircraft operational fundamentals to validate system performance.

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!

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.

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. Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world - and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings.

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.

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