Principal Software Engineer - Strategic Defense Solutions (Onsite)

Company: RTX
Location: Davis
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Date Posted: 2026-03-09 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: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.? U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance? Security Clearance Type: Secret - Current Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1 Principal Software Engineer - Strategic Defense Solutions (Onsite) Role Description: We are searching for a Principal Software Engineer to join our team in Sterling VA within the Simulation & Training Solutions (STS) business area. STS develops and builds highly realistic simulators and training systems for both military and commercial customers. We utilize cutting edge technology (VR, haptic feedback, gamified scenarios) to deliver highly specialized training for some of the most demanding jobs in aviation. Devices range in complexity from desktop training all the way up to high fidelity weapon system and full-flight training systems including full visual motion and simulator interoperability. In this position, you will become a technical subject matter expert for the design, implementation, and testing of complex multi-platform training device software and their associated user interfaces. This position requires a highly skilled individual who can step onto a team and quickly come up to speed on complex systems, who is also comfortable dealing with customers and program leadership. Candidates with agile development experience and the desire to grow into agile leadership roles are strongly encouraged to apply! This position requires the ability to obtain a US security clearance. Most aspects of the job are done in a classified lab environment and requires a daily onsite presence. What You Will Do: Design, develop, integrate, and test software on cross-functional agile teams to deliver solutions within budget, scope, and schedule constraints Assist in analysis and decomposition of features Perform and lead bidding and proposal activities to support the acquisition of new business Make and influence decisions which impact cost, schedule, and technical performance at a program level Highly motivated full-stack software development focal Perform multi-threaded software debugging Work independently with limited supervision Demonstrate leader-like qualities in your every-day work - Be a positive focal for your team, recognize peers’ accomplishments, and help onboard junior team members. Contribute to software and systems engineering requirements capture and analysis Travel to domestic and international customer sites to support training events and product installations 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 or in absence of a degree, 12 years of relevant experience Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date Must have previous experience working with C++. Have experience with agile development practices and general software engineering design principles Qualifications We Prefer: Excellent written and oral communication skills Familiarity with Linux and Windows development environments Candidate exhibits leader-like qualities and has a willingness to share their knowledge and build up their peers Experience using Visual Studio and Eclipse Familiarity with DevSecOps and Agile development methodologies Experience using Win32/Win64 APIs and associated Linux API Experience working with databases; formatting queries, creating tables, particularly with Postgres Strong OOP and C++ language skills including STL, Templates Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Perl, etc.) Usage of source code control tools (SVN, GIT, ClearCase, etc.) Usage of ALM tools (JIRA, Confluence, Crucible, Bamboo) Active DoD Security Clearance (within 24 months) 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 118,300 USD - 224,900 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

Keywords: RTX, Laguna , Principal Software Engineer - Strategic Defense Solutions (Onsite), IT / Software / Systems , Davis, California