Sr Software Engineering Manager, ACTT Datalinks (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-05-07

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:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At RTX, the world 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.

A fighter pilot is responsible for operating advanced military aircraft to engage in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, aiming to secure air superiority. They must master complex weapons systems, execute precise tactical maneuvers under high G-forces, and make split-second, high-stakes decisions in intense combat situations. Additionally, they are responsible for extensive mission planning, aircraft pre-flight inspections, and safety management to ensure the success of various operational objectives.

The Tactical Communications & Applications Solutions (TCAS) department within the Mission Systems Resilient Connectivity Products (RCP) portfolio has the Air Combat Test & Training (ACTT) datalinks software team which specializes in developing flexible and secure military test range solutions.  We enable our customers to integrate new aircraft and weapons technology into complex training scenarios for pilots that can include aircraft of different nations and generations.  Our technology provides common test and training infrastructures for improved operational realism.

We are seeking a service-oriented and challenge-driven Sr Software Engineering Manager with the leadership and technical skills to manage the engineering development and project execution of critical Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation waveforms that will enable our warfighters to have tactical advantages in theater.  This involves oversight of software engineering activities which design, develop, enhance, integrate, test, and maintain embedded waveform software applications to create real-world radio datalink solutions for the warfighter.

At Collins Aerospace, you will work on cutting edge technology and contribute to programs that save lives and enable the freedoms we enjoy.  

This position requires onsite presence in Cedar Rapids, IA.

What You Will Do

• Manage daily activities and contribute to the technical oversight of software engineers, project engineers, and support organizations to develop, integrate, and test embedded software in an Agile development environment for software-defined radio architectures

• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget for software engineering activities using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) performance measurement; manage project risks/issues and elevate to upper management when appropriate

• Demonstrate predictable program execution and continuous improvement

• Oversee and participate in the development of engineering bids and proposals

• Create and implement strategic workforce and staffing plans to ensure the team meets its business objectives and maintains high-performance standards, including recruiting/hiring, as well as actively addressing employee performance and career development actions

• Ensure compliance with Collins Aerospace development processes and standard work requirements

• Collaborate across programs and engineering teams to identify efficiencies, share resources, and support the development of best practices, necessitating an ability to clearly communicate objectives and status to audiences with varying degrees of understanding of the products and technology

• Develop and nurture internal and external networks, ensuring alignment and transparency with stakeholders, forging relationships with peers across RCP Engineering, Value Stream Leadership, and government customers

Qualifications You Must Have 

• Must have, or be capable of obtaining, a US Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. (Candidate selected will be subject to a government security investigation/reinstatement and must meet eligibility requirements.)  US citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams in software development/integration/test with FPGA and Crypto Module integration

• Working knowledge of embedded software development and the use of C++, a proven ability to guide and lead software development processes

• Experience with cost account management (EVMS) and schedule management

• Able to motivate/challenge engineers as well as keeping them engaged in a high-performing team environment

• Experience with Agile development methodologies 

• Software development experience with C, C++, or related languages, as well as experience developing on Red Hat Linux or equivalent OS

• 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

Qualifications We Prefer

• Familiarity with software defined radios architectures, networking communications waveforms, experience with bid narrative write-ups, earned value reporting, configuration management tools, ALM tool suite, SEER-SEM estimation modeling tool, and wireless technologies

• Direct involvement in Agile methodologies, serving as a Product Owner, Scrum Master, or Release Train Engineer, with demonstrated success in managing Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, backlog grooming, and cross-team coordination

• High-level understanding of systems, cryptographic, and FPGA engineering, as well as hardware development

• Experience in air combat and/or training concept of operations

• Domain knowledge in network communications, datalinks, and platform integration

• Requires broad management and leadership knowledge to lead project teams.

• Preferred applicants will currently hold a Secret (or above) security clearance or have held one within the past two years

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

• And more! 

Learn More & Apply Now

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

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.

Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility.

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.  

Employee Referral Eligible

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.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms