Software Engineering Project Manager Jobs in Iowa

Date Posted:
2026-06-23
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 ~ 5350 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 130
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:
Secret - Current
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
Senior Engineering Manager - Software - Training Systems (Onsite)
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.
The Proprietary Platforms Software Engineering Department at Collins Aerospace is committed to designing, developing, and delivering secure, high-performance software solutions that drive the success of our proprietary aerospace and defense platforms. Through technical excellence, collaboration, and adherence to rigorous quality and security standards, we enable the seamless operation, scalability, and reliability of proprietary systems. Our mission is to address the changing needs of our customers and stakeholders while remaining aligned with the strategic objectives of Collins Aerospace and RTX.
Our Collaborative Mission Autonomy (CMA) team is looking for a Senior Engineering Manager to lead a talented team of software developers dedicated to delivering mature mission-enabling autonomy capabilities for UAS. This position reports to the Department Associate Director, and is based in Cedar Rapids, IA. It may require occasional domestic and international travel. This position requires the ability to obtain and hold a US security clearance. Many aspects of the job are done in a classified lab environment and require a daily onsite presence.
As a Senior Engineering Manager, you will hold responsibilities that encompass both technical oversight and team leadership. In this role, you will manage the software engineering discipline, ensuring successful execution of projects across their entire lifecycle, ranging from bids and proposals to requirements definition, design, development, integration, testing, verification, validation, and final delivery. You will play a key role in recruiting top talent to enhance the team while also managing resource allocation, strategically aligning staff with programs and projects to maximize team effectiveness and drive project success. Additionally, you will play a key role in fostering staff satisfaction and career development by providing mentorship, facilitating participation in leadership development programs, identifying growth opportunities, and creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that empowers team members to thrive and achieve their professional goals.
What You Will Do:

• Lead a team of 10-20 software engineers, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and continuous improvements.
• Oversee the full software lifecycle from bids and proposals to requirements, design, development, integration, testing, verification, and validation.
• Provide technical leadership and project management, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget adherence.
• Actively manage staffing supply ensuring firm and anticipated demand is accurate and appropriate staff levels are assigned.
• Act as a servant leader by mentoring engineers, sharing knowledge, and enabling team success.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leaders, program managers, and Operations managers.
• Drive data-driven decision-making processes and solve complex problems in a dynamic environment including risk identification and mitigation.
• Develop powerful internal and external networks, collaborating across engineering, business development, and program/product management functions.
• Drive team strength by recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and successfully integrating new talent into the organization.
• Communicate effectively by preparing and presenting updates to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Manage staff retention, career development, and advancement by providing access to leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and the ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility within RTX, supporting long-term career growth and professional success.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and projects in software development environments.
• Knowledge of simulation systems or software engineering principles.
• Experience with software development lifecycle methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, and Spiral.
• Experience with designing and implementing a large-scale modularized, reusable product base that supports multiple products.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Software development background in C/C++/C#, Visual Studio, Python, JAVA, Angular or other related programming languages.
• Experience in ALM tools such as Jira, Confluence, Jama, Bamboo, and Crucible.
• Experience with Gitlab, Docker, Kubernetes.
• Strong technical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface with senior leadership.
• Experience working on proprietary or classified programs within aerospace or defense industries.
• Knowledge of modeling and simulation systems.
• Domain knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Mission Planning, Electronic Warfare, Sensors.
• Experience with using AI third-party applications in software systems.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex software programs.
• Previous experience mentoring junior engineers and fostering team growth.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Versatility and adaptability in dynamic environments with competing priorities.
• Familiarity with RTX engineering processes and systems.

Why Join Us?
At Collins Aerospace, you'll be part of a team that is at the forefront of innovation in aerospace and defense. As a Senior Engineering Manager, you'll play a critical role in advancing our mission to protect and connect the world. You'll have opportunities to lead cutting-edge projects, grow your career, and make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
If you're a passionate leader with a strong technical background and a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to apply and join our team.
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!

Learn More & Apply Now!
*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.
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 132,400 USD - 251,600 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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