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Collins Aerospace is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to support the development and sustainment of communication products at its Cedar Rapids, IA location. The role is onsite and requires strong system engineering skills across hardware and software integration.

Salary range: $86,800 – $165,200 (USD). This position is open to candidates who meet the U.S. citizenship/immigration requirements listed.

Responsibilities

• Develop product‑level requirements from customer and industry specifications.
• Decompose requirements for both software and hardware development.
• Perform trade studies to support and optimize technical solutions and requirements.
• Define integration and verification strategies for avionic functions and products.
• Create test plans, test cases and procedures, execute system verification, and produce test reports.
• Perform hands‑on integration of software applications, embedded software, system software, and hardware in a laboratory environment.
• Execute software integration testing on engineering development units, flight‑like hardware, production hardware, and/or hardware‑in‑the‑loop test benches.
• Troubleshoot and debug integration issues across hardware, software, firmware, operating systems, drivers, and external interfaces.
• Use lab equipment and engineering tools to support integration, verification, failure investigation, and root‑cause analysis.
• Analyze data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods to optimize performance and increase efficiencies in development activities.
• Communicate effectively to stakeholders including customers, program management, senior leadership, and functional teams.
• Provide technical support for fielded avionics systems through troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, engineering changes, and lifecycle sustainment activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or equivalent with 5+ years relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 3+ years experience.
• Experience with system‑level requirements decomposition and analysis, design allocation, integration planning, and execution.
• Experience integrating software applications, embedded software, or system software onto target hardware platforms.
• Experience developing, executing, and troubleshooting system integration test procedures in lab or hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments.
• Ability to debug integration issues across hardware, software, firmware, operating systems, drivers, and external interfaces.
• Experience supporting root‑cause analysis, failure investigation, defect resolution, and verification closure for complex electronic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret system architecture diagrams, electrical schematics, interface control documents, software requirements, and test documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with ability to isolate issues in complex hardware/software systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of avionics communication interfaces and protocols.
• Experience with avionics communication systems, aircraft data networks, wireless systems, or connected aircraft products.
• Familiarity with avionics regulations and certification standards (TSO, PMA, STC, DO‑160, DO‑254, DO‑356, DO‑178B/C).
• Experience with hardware/software integration on embedded Linux, Windows, real‑time operating systems or other embedded platforms.
• Experience with scripting or automation tools such as Python or Robot Framework.
• Experience with networking concepts (TCP/IP, UDP, VLANs, routing, switching, packet capture, Wi‑Fi, cellular, SATCOM).
• Experience with test equipment and lab tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, power supplies, network analyzers.
• Experience supporting formal qualification, certification, or production transition activities for aerospace or regulated products.
• Experience troubleshooting board‑level or system‑level issues (power, boot‑up, interfaces, timing, thermal, signal integrity, environmental performance).
• Experience coordinating with software, hardware, systems, test, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and program teams to resolve technical issues.
• Experience with Agile and waterfall development methods.
• Strong teamwork and time‑management skills; ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with MBSE tools, cybersecurity, secure boot, software loading, configuration management, or data integrity for connected avionics products.
• Familiarity with aircraft installation, airline operations, or avionics maintenance concepts.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid vacation (three weeks for new hires).
• 401(k) plan with employer match and optional lifetime income strategy.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment.
• Life insurance, disability coverage, and optional supplemental insurances.
• Parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Wellness programs and virtual medical visits.
• Employee assistance initiatives.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.