Senior Systems Engineer - HW/SW Integration (ONSITE)

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

 Country: United States of America

 Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-131 ~ 5450 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 131

 Position Role Type: Onsite

 U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The company will offer immigration sponsorship for this position, if needed.​ The company will not seek an export authorization for this role.

 Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required

 Security Clearance Status: Not Required 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. Collins Aerospace is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to support the development and sustainment of communication products. The engineer who fills this position must demonstrate a high level of professional competence and knowledge of the principles and techniques commonly used in systems development, integration, verification, and qualification related to avionics. The selected candidate will perform assignments requiring the use and application of systems engineering principles and techniques for the integration of hardware and software. This role will require hands-on software integration testing on target hardware, troubleshooting across hardware/software interfaces, and supporting both development and fielded product sustainment. The engineer who fills this position must also have strong design, analytical, and problem-solving skills for both hardware and software. This is an onsite position based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. What you will do: Develop product-level requirements from customer and industry specifications. Further decompose requirements to support both software and hardware development. Perform trade studies to support and optimize the technical solution and requirements. Define integration and verification strategies for avionic functions and products, create test plans, test cases and procedures, execute system verification, and create 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 of proceeding to optimize performance and increase efficiencies in development activities. Communicate effectively to a host of stakeholders across the technical spectrum, 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. 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 Experience with system-level requirements decomposition and analysis, system design and allocation to subsystems/products, system integration planning and execution, and system-level verification and validation. Experience integrating software applications, embedded software, or system software onto target hardware platforms. Experience developing, executing, and troubleshooting system integration test procedures in a lab or hardware-in-the-loop environment. Experience debugging 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. Experience documenting technical findings, test results, problem reports, and engineering recommendations in a clear and concise manner. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to isolate issues in complex hardware/software systems. Qualifications we prefer: Working knowledge of common communication interfaces and protocols for avionics/data interfaces. Experience with avionics communication systems, aircraft data networks, airborne routers, data loaders, wireless systems, or connected aircraft products. Working knowledge of avionics regulations and certification standards including TSO, PMA, STC, DO-160, DO-254, DO-356 and DO-178B/C. Experience with hardware/software integration on embedded Linux, Windows, real-time operating systems, or other embedded computing platforms. Experience with scripting or automation tools to support test execution, data collection, and analysis such as Python, Robot Framework, etc. Experience with networking concepts including TCP/IP, UDP, VLANs, routing, switching, packet capture, Wi-Fi, cellular, or SATCOM-related interfaces. Experience using tools such as Wireshark, Jira, DOORS, Jama, Cameo, Git, Bitbucket, Jenkins, or similar engineering development tools. Experience using test equipment and lab tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, power supplies, network analyzers, or similar equipment to support hardware/software troubleshooting. Experience supporting formal qualification, certification, or production transition activities for aerospace or other regulated products. Experience performing integration testing using engineering development units, flight-like hardware, production hardware, or hardware-in-the-loop test benches. Experience troubleshooting board-level or system-level issues involving power, boot-up, interfaces, timing, thermal behavior, signal integrity, or environmental performance. Experience coordinating with software, hardware, systems, test, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and program teams to resolve technical issues. Experience supporting fielded product investigations, customer-reported issues, engineering change proposals, and sustainment of released products. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams using both Agile and waterfall development methods. Exhibiting strong team skills working with both domestic and international team members. Effective time management and ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision. Familiarity with model-based systems engineering, MBSE, tools. Familiarity with cybersecurity, secure boot, software loading, configuration management, or data integrity considerations for connected avionics products. Familiarity with aircraft installation, aircraft interfaces, airline operations, or avionics maintenance concepts. 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