Senior Principal Project Engineer - Simulation (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-02-05

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

Security Clearance Type:

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Senior Principal Project Engineer - Simulation (Onsite)

Join Collins Aerospace and be part of an innovative team dedicated to developing high-fidelity integrated simulation solutions for specialized training needs. Our Proprietary Platform (PP) engineering division focuses on creating and delivering advanced tactics, flight, and maintenance training solutions for a wide range of customers.

We seek a Technical Project Manager (TPM) / Project Engineer (PE) to lead a team of engineers in developing new simulation systems. As the primary engineering leader for technical development teams, the TPM/PE will manage scope, schedule, budgets, risks, and opportunities. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to inspire teams. This position is located onsite at our Sterling, VA location and may require occasional domestic and international travel. This position requires the ability to obtain a US security clearance.  Many aspects of the job are done in a classified lab environment and requires a daily onsite presence. 

What you will do:

• Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team: Manage engineers from systems, software, electrical, mechanical, cyber, and test disciplines to ensure cohesive project execution.
• Deliver project scope within budget and schedule: Ensure all project objectives are met on time and within financial constraints.
• Drive technical project execution and integration: Oversee the technical aspects of the project to ensure seamless integration of all components.
• Serve as the primary customer technical interface: Act as the main technical point of contact for customer interactions and ensure their requirements are met.
• Guide engineering development per RTX Lifecyle Management Systems: Follow established processes and systems to maintain quality and consistency in engineering development.
• Define and monitor project scope, budget, and schedule: Work with the team to set clear project parameters and continuously track progress against these metrics.
• Report program execution to engineering leadership: Provide regular updates to Program Chief Engineer, Department Leaders, and the Engineering Director on project status and performance.
• Ensure appropriate project staffing: Collaborate with engineering discipline group managers to allocate the right resources and skills to the project.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities: Proactively identify and mitigate potential issues and capitalize on opportunities to enhance project outcomes.
• Lead bid proposal efforts: Foster innovation and drive initiatives to secure new business opportunities.

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 or in absence of a degree, 14 years of relevant experience
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued secret security clearance is required prior to start date
• Strong technical expertise: Deep knowledge in systems, software, electrical, mechanical, cyber, or test engineering.
• Leadership skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Excellent communication skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with customers, stakeholders, and team members.
• Project management proficiency: Experience in developing and managing project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Risk management experience: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks and opportunities.
• Customer-focused mindset: Experience in serving as a technical interface with customers and ensuring their requirements are met.
• Willingness to travel: Availability for occasional domestic and international travel as required by the project.
• Experience with simulation systems: Specific experience in the development and management of simulation and training systems.
• Experience with government contracts: Familiarity with the requirements and processes associated with US Department of Defense projects.
• Proficiency in project management tools: Expertise in using tools such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, or similar software for project tracking and management.
• Strong problem-solving skills: Proven ability to identify issues quickly and develop effective solutions.
• Experience in leading bid and proposal efforts: Demonstrated success in securing new business through effective bid and proposal management.
• Strong interpersonal skills: Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience utilizing and communicating programmatic Earned Value (EV) and experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM): Demonstrated ability to manage and report on project financials and performance metrics.
• Familiarity with the design and implementation of training systems and the value they provide to the end user: Understanding of how training systems are developed and their benefits.

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 145,600 USD - 276,800 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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