Principal Systems Engineer (onsite)

Principal Systems Engineer - (Onsite)

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.

Role Description:

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for a military platform. This role focuses on delivering high-fidelity training capabilities that accurately replicate mission systems, enabling aircrew and operators to train effectively in simulated environments.

The ideal candidate brings expert level systems engineering experience, strong knowledge of avionics or mission systems, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a defense or aerospace environment.

This position requires: US Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance Day 1.

Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Sterling, VA location.

What YOU will do:

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and sustainment
• Develop and manage system requirements, interface control documents, and verification plans
• Ensure training systems accurately represent aircraft mission systems, including radar, communications, and command & control functions
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers to integrate subsystems into cohesive training solutions
• Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE) activities and maintain system architecture artifacts
• Conduct system-level testing, validation, and verification to ensure performance meets operational needs
• Interface with customers, program managers, and external stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies related to system performance, integration, and delivery
• Support upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management for existing training systems
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically Requires: A degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree and minimum 3 years experience
• Active and transferable U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date
• U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract
• Experience with avionics, radar systems, or airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms
• Strong understanding of systems engineering lifecycle processes (e.g., requirements, design, integration, V&V)
• Ability to work in a classified environment and obtain/maintain required security clearance
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Qualifications We Prefer:

• 15+ years of experience in systems engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or simulation/training systems
• Experience with naval aviation platforms
• Background in simulation and training system development
• Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed simulation or virtual training environments
• Experience with hardware/software integration and lab environments
• Experience with systems modeling tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS, or similar)
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and standards

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:

• 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!