About this role.
This Principal Hardware Design Engineer role at RTX Collins Aerospace focuses on developing advanced avionics computing products, including mission computers and network interfaces. The position involves full lifecycle hardware development, from design and analysis through integration and factory transition. Candidates require deep expertise in high-speed digital circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout, with a strong emphasis on EMI/EMC and manufacturability. The role offers a remote work option, though the description also mentions an onsite location in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and requires U.S. citizenship. This is a senior technical position with a competitive salary range and opportunities to mentor junior engineers.
Role DNA
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Job Complexity
5/5Pace & Pressure
4/5Autonomy Level
5/5Communication Load
4/5Salary analysis
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Core skills
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Cover letter sample
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Principal Hardware Design Engineer position at RTX Collins Aerospace. With over a decade of experience in avionics hardware design, I have developed deep expertise in high-speed digital circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout for mission-critical computing platforms. My background includes hands-on integration testing and successful delivery of products compliant with DO-254, DO-160, and MIL-STD-461 requirements.
I have led cross-functional teams through the entire hardware lifecycle, from proposal through factory transition, and I thrive on mentoring engineers while solving complex technical challenges. I am particularly drawn to Collins Aerospace's reputation for innovation and its commitment to solving the aerospace and defense industry's most complex problems.
I am eager to bring my technical leadership and dedication to quality to your team. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your Computing Products Department.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample interview questions
I have designed multiple CCAs for avionics computers, focusing on processors, memory interfaces, and high-speed serial links like PCIe and Ethernet. Key challenges included signal integrity, power integrity, and managing crosstalk. I addressed these by carefully controlling impedance, using simulation tools, and following layout guidelines for differential pairs and clock routing.
I incorporate EMI/EMC considerations from the start by selecting components with appropriate shielding, using proper filtering at I/O boundaries, and designing PCB stack-ups with adequate ground planes. For lightning, I implement transient protection devices like TVS diodes and ensure robust grounding. I also validate through testing and iterate as needed.
In a previous project, a memory interface intermittently failed under environmental stress. I led a cross-functional investigation using thermal cycling and signal analysis, ultimately finding a marginal timing budget due to a layout mismatch. I corrected the layout, added slight impedance adjustments, and validated the fix through extensive testing.
I prioritize DFM and DFT early by collaborating with manufacturing and test engineers to review the design. I select components that are readily available and cost-effective, design test points and built-in test features, and ensure the layout accommodates manufacturing tolerances. This reduces lifecycle costs and improves yield.
I would establish clear design guidelines and review their work incrementally, providing constructive feedback on layout best practices and signal integrity. I would also pair them with simulation tools and encourage them to verify their assumptions. Mentoring is about building confidence and independence while ensuring quality.
Date Posted:
2026-07-31
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-IA-REMOTE
Position Role Type:
Remote
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.
Security Clearance Type:
None/Not Required
Security Clearance Status:
Not Required
At RTX, the world’s 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.
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Electrical Engineer to join the Computing Products Department within the Displays, Computing & Networking Directorate. This department is responsible for the development and sustainment of state-of-the-art avionics hardware products including ruggedized mission computers, video processing modules, and network products used in commercial and military aircraft platforms. This role is onsite, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
This role supports all phases of the hardware development lifecycle—program pursuit, design, integration, verification, and factory transition.
The selected candidate will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including Systems, Software, Mechanical, Environmental Effects, Manufacturing/Operations, and Design-to-Cost teams, to ensure all product requirements are successfully achieved. Strong expertise in high-speed digital circuit board design, EMI control, manufacturability, testability, and thermal management is essential
What You Will Do:
Design and analyze Circuit Card Assemblies (CCA) for Avionics Computers (Processors, Memory, interfaces)
Work with lab equipment for integration testing of hardware designs
Schematic capture of digital/analog mixed signal electrical circuit designs
Avionics I/O (Ethernet, ARINC 429, MIL-STD 1553, PCIe
Oversight of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout
Design to Cost (DTC), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Test (DFT)
Mentoring and delegating tasks to less experienced engineers
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
Hands-on troubleshooting experience
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Qualifications We Prefer:
Ability to work collaboratively with team members and independently on assigned tasks
Experience in the Defense or Aerospace industry
EMI/EMC, Lighting protection circuits and testing
Demonstrated use of software tools for electrical circuit simulation and/or Printed Circuit Board layout
Experience with Avionics regulatory and certification requirements: TSO, DO-160, or DO-254, MIL-STD-461
Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions
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
And more!
Learn More & Apply Now!
Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application today.
*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.
Remote: Employees who are working in Remote roles will work primarily offsite (from home). An employee may be expected to travel to the site location as needed.
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 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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