Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Date Posted:
2026-01-29
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 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
Joining Collins Aerospace isn't just about finding a job; it's about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.
Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Software Engineer with a focus on Mission Engineering to join our team. In this role, you will lead the development of software solutions to support mission-critical systems and architectures. You will leverage your expertise in software design, simulation, and integration to enable the delivery of high-value capabilities for aerospace and defense applications.
This is an onsite role that can be supported either in Cedar Rapids, IA or Sterling, VA, working onsite five days a week.
What You Will Do:

• Design, develop, and implement mission-critical software systems, tools, and applications.
• Perform mission analysis and develop software solutions to model, simulate, and evaluate mission scenarios.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to define software requirements and architecture for mission systems.
• Implement and optimize algorithms for mission planning, decision support, and system performance analysis.
• Develop and maintain software tools for modeling and simulation of mission environments (e.g., AFSIM, RCADE, C++, Python).
• Perform software integration and testing to ensure system functionality and reliability.
• Support software verification and validation efforts to meet mission objectives and requirements.
• Lead trade studies, technical reviews, and risk assessments for software-focused mission engineering tasks.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in software development and mission engineering.
• Ensure compliance with RTX software engineering processes, cybersecurity standards, and best practices.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar.
• Experience with software modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Simulink, STK, or similar).
• Familiarity with software development processes (e.g., Agile, DevSecOps, CI/CD) and tools (e.g., Git, Gitlab, JIRA).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a secret U.S. Government security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience developing software for aerospace, defense, or mission-critical systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on mission-driven software solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or optimization algorithms for mission applications.
• Experience working with model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
• Previous experience working with government or military customers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage complex software projects.

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.
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!

*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.
Learn More & Apply Now!
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 86,800 USD - 165,200 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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