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Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace Salary
Rapids, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/1/2026
Date Posted:

2026-04-02

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-TX-RICHARDSON-462 ~ 3200 E Renner Rd ~ RENNER BLDG 462

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. 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 on day 1

Are you ready to design the future of aerospace and defense? Join our mission in creating transformative technologies that empower national security and defense systems.

Shape the Future with Collins Aerospace.

At Collins Aerospace, we don’t just build systems; we build the future. As a Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll support programs involved in modernizing the U.S. Air Force Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) capabilities. Based in Richardson, TX or Cedar Rapids, IA, you’ll be immersed in innovation while receiving world-class training to become a subject matter expert (SME) in the systems engineering lifecycle. If you’re driven by purpose, thrive on innovation, and aspire to grow, this role is your next step.

What YOU will do:

  • Collaborate to capture, analyze, decompose, and trace system requirements.
  • Design, develop, and model complex systems and sub-systems.
  • Create and verify system and sub-system test procedures.
  • Build advanced SysML models for activities, states, block diagrams, and use cases.
  • Leverage JIRA to decompose epics and features into user stories with clear acceptance criteria.
  • Plan and execute project-level work to meet schedules, costs, and performance goals.
  • Manage technical risks by evaluating design aspects and requirements.
  • Represent the Systems Engineering team in customer and internal meetings.
  • Bridge the gap between functional discipline groups and internal/external stakeholders.
  • Engage in classified lab environments to apply your expertise hands-on. (On-site presence required.)
  • Travel occasionally to support program requirements

What YOU will learn:

  • Cutting-edge Collins Aerospace solutions designed for military platforms.
  • Mastery of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles to drive emerging technology solutions.
  • Leadership and operational expertise within our CORE Operating Systems.

Why choose Collins Aerospace?

  • Be part of a community of innovators advancing aerospace technology and national security.
  • Gain mentorship from industry leaders in communication and nuclear deterrence domains.
  • Develop career-defining expertise while contributing to critical missions.

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
  • Active and transferable Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain Top Secret after start.
  • U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
  • Leadership and mentoring experience systems engineering teams.
  • Experience with planning and executing project-level work to meet schedules, costs, and performance goals.
  • Proven track record in capturing customer requirements, operations concept development, deriving and tracing system and sub-system requirements.
  • Experience with Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools - Expertise in building complex SysML models, including developing activity, state, block diagrams, use cases, etc.

Qualifications we prefer:

  • Proficiency with MBSE tools like MagicDraw CAMEO, Rhapsody, or Enterprise Architect.
  • Agile experience as a Scrum Master, Product Owner, or other Agile leadership roles.
  • Knowledge of Project Management, Control Account Management (CAM), and earned value.
  • Familiarity with bidding and project/task estimation tools (e.g., SEER products).
  • Competence in peer review processes, configuration, and change management.
  • Experience conducting root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Understanding of military concepts of operations or radio performance standards.

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
  • May be eligible for Relocation
  • And more! 

Learn More & Apply Now!

Mission Systems:

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.

  • Please consider the following role type definitions as you apply for 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.

#Hotjobs

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.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

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Salary.com Estimation for Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite) in Rapids, IA
$109,002 to $127,920
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