Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Date Posted: 2026-08-07 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 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.

• As a Principal Software Engineer, you will contribute to the development of advanced software solutions that support a variety of mission-critical applications.
• You will work on complex technical challenges requiring high levels of reliability, security, and performance.
• In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, FPGA, and systems engineering, to integrate innovative technologies into a wide range portfolio of products.
• These solutions enable secure communications, data exchange, and other critical capabilities for customers operating in demanding environments.

Technical responsibilities for this software engineering position will primarily encompass working in a software role and contributing to key decision making for the successful development of applications across multiple product lines. There will be involvement in requirements definition, collaboration on software design and architecture, implementing software, software\\hardware integration, and requirement verification. This position is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A comprehensive relocation package is available to qualified applicants.

• Software development and integration experience embedded C and C++ product software.
• Software development and integration experience on complex multi-threaded product software code bases.
• Experience with standard full lifecycle software development practices and configuration management tools
• Knowledge and/ or experience in embedded security software development and integration
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.
• 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

• Cost Account management
• Experience serving as a Product Owner in an Agile development environment.
• Experience in Rust development
• Comfortable working in a Linux development environment.
• Capable of mentoring engineers regarding software development skills and practices
• Desire to successfully work in a team environment, establishing collaborative relationships with coworkers in person and through technology; experience working on an Agile team desirable
• Strive to consistently produce superior results, keeping project milestones on schedule, contributing to a positive work environment, and driving process efficiency improvements
• Experience leading teams and running projects through the full software lifecycle
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as python

• 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 illnessinsurance, 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
• And more!

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.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity.