Principal Systems Engineer – Product Safety (Hybrid - Cedar Rapids, IA; Windsor Locks, CT; Burnsville, MN; Rockford, IL; Wilsonville,OR; or Melbourne, FL)

Date Posted:

2026-06-29



Country:

United States of America



Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-121 ~ 350 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 121



Position Role Type:

Hybrid



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

This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of “U.S. Person” go here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62



Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required



Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

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. 

Are you ready to take your engineering expertise to new heights? At Collins Aerospace, we're not just building avionics systems — we're building the future of aviation. As a Principal Systems Safety Engineer, you'll be at the helm of innovation, ensuring the safety, reliability, and integrity of the systems that power aircraft across the globe. Whether supporting military, commercial, or regional aviation, your contributions will directly impact the safety of millions of passengers and crew. This is your chance to work on cutting-edge technology, collaborate with top-tier talent, and make a real difference in aerospace safety. If you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and challenging environment, we want you on our team. 

 

This position will be supporting programs primarily based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The selected candidate can sit at any of the following locations: Cedar Rapids, IA; Windsor Locks, CT; Burnsville, MN; Rockford, IL; Wilsonville, OR or Melbourne, FL.  Relocation assistance is available if you are not already in one of these locations.

 

What You Will Do: 

• Lead critical safety initiatives and be a trusted advisor to our engineering teams and customers. Driving Comprehensive Safety Assessments: Execute civil safety assessments in accordance with ARP4761 or military safety assessments per MIL-STD-882E. This includes developing System Safety Program Plans (SSPPs), Functional Hazard Assessments (FHAs), Fault Tree Analyses (FTAs), and Safety Assessment Reports (SARs). 

• Shaping Design Requirements: Collaborate with systems, hardware, and software engineering teams to define safety-critical requirements during the development process. 

• Reviewing & Refining Designs: Dive deep into design documentation for safety-critical systems, providing expert analysis and feedback to ensure the highest standards of safety. 

• Mentorship & Leadership: Share your expertise with less experienced engineers, guiding them in safety practices and fostering a culture of continuous learning. 

• Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with customers, stakeholders, and organizational leaders to develop plans, solve challenges, and deliver excellence. 

• Travel 5%

 

What You Will Learn:

• Hands-On Experience: Work on groundbreaking avionics systems with practical exposure to industry-leading tools and technologies. 

• Professional Growth: Access company-sponsored certifications, training programs, and mentorship opportunities. You'll also have the chance to lead high-impact initiatives and grow as a technical expert. 

• Innovative Culture: Be part of a team that encourages curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning. 

• Networking Opportunities: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and industry leaders, expanding your professional connections and expertise. 

 

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. 

• Experience in safety-critical systems; ARP4761 or MIL-STD-882E safety standards. 

 

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Familiarity with standards such as ARP4754A, DO-254, DO-178B/C, and DO-297. 

• Proficiency in CAFTA or equivalent safety analysis tools, including proficiency in Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). 

• Strong foundation in reliability engineering theory, statistics, and mathematical modeling. 

• Recognized technical expertise in avionics safety with awareness to excel in multiple environments

 

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  

• And more!  

 

Learn More & Apply Now!

Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).  

Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.  

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of. 

 

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.

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.

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