About this role.
This is a part-time Senior Principal Software Engineer role at Collins Aerospace, focusing on core systems and libraries for next-generation avionics. The position involves leading the architecture, development, and certification of safety-critical software under DO-178 standards, with a strong emphasis on C++ and cross-functional collaboration. The role requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in aerospace or safety-critical environments. It offers a remote work arrangement and a scheduled 30-hour workweek. The provided salary range is $132,400 to $251,600 per year.
Role DNA
A quick view of the complexity, pace, ownership and collaboration implied by the job description.
Job Complexity
5/5Pace & Pressure
4/5Autonomy Level
5/5Communication Load
5/5Salary analysis
Estimated compensation compared with the broader US market for similar roles.
Core skills
Skills and capabilities most closely associated with this opportunity.
Cover letter sample
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Principal Software Engineer position at Collins Aerospace. With over 15 years of experience in safety-critical software development and certification, I have led multiple DO-178 DAL-A programs from concept to certification. My expertise in C++ and VxWorks has been instrumental in designing scalable core systems for avionics platforms.
I am particularly drawn to this role's focus on core systems and libraries, as it aligns with my passion for building robust foundations that enable innovation. I have a strong track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and quality.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my leadership and technical vision to your team and would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your next-generation avionics projects.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample interview questions
I have led multiple DAL A certification efforts, managing the entire lifecycle from requirements to verification. I ensure compliance by maintaining rigorous traceability, producing required artifacts, and conducting thorough reviews. For example, on a recent project, I coordinated with the DER to streamline the certification process.
I would focus on modularity and abstraction, creating reusable libraries with clear interfaces. I'd also consider the right abstraction layers for hardware dependencies. Using a product-line approach allows configuration management and reuse across different platforms.
Innovation should be harnessed within the framework of DO-178. I would incorporate modern C++ design patterns while ensuring that all changes undergo rigorous verification and adhere to certification constraints. It's about using proven techniques to reduce risk.
In a previous role, we faced a discrepancy in the verification results for a high-level requirement. I organized a meeting with the certification authority, presented our analysis, and proposed a revised approach. By demonstrating our documented process, we gained approval and avoided schedule delays.
I would prioritize communication and clear documentation. I'd set up focused blocks for deep technical work and overlap my schedule with core team hours for meetings. Leveraging agile ceremonies and written design documents, I can ensure seamless collaboration despite reduced hours.
Date Posted:
2026-08-07
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-FL-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
Design the Foundation of Next-Generation Avionics
Join the growing Collins Aerospace Core Systems and Libraries team and play a key role in shaping the software foundation that powers modern aircraft. We are seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and driving high-impact solutions across safety-critical systems.
In this role, you will lead the architecture and development of core software components, libraries, and tools that enable scalable, certifiable avionics platforms. You’ll work across the full software lifecycle, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions aligned with civil and military certification standards.
This is a unique opportunity to influence system-level design, advance open architecture initiatives, and contribute to technologies that define the future of aerospace.
This is a part-time position with a scheduled workweek of 30 hours.
What You Will Do
Lead the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling aligned to avionics system requirements
Drive technical direction and execution across development and verification activities for safety-critical software (DO-178)
Define and manage software requirements, decomposition, and traceability across complex systems
Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object-oriented design principles
Own and produce DO-178 certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables
Lead and support certification efforts, including engagement with customers and regulatory authorities
Conduct and contribute to peer reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across the lifecycle
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align technical solutions with program objectives
Willing and Able to travel as required (domestic and international <10%).
What You Will Learn
Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of avionics and aerospace systems
Build end-to-end expertise across the full product lifecycle, from requirements and design through verification and delivery of safety-critical systems
Develop a deep understanding of software certification (DO-178) and how world-class avionics products meet rigorous regulatory standards
Learn how to design, scale, and sustain software product lines that support a wide range of platforms and global customers
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
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.
Proven experience designing and developing software architecture, libraries, or platform-level components within an aerospace or safety-critical environment
Demonstrated ability to lead technical execution of projects, including customer engagement and presenting to senior stakeholders
Hands-on experience supporting DO-178 software development and certification activities (e.g., requirements, verification, or certification artifacts)
Experience working across cross-functional engineering and program teams to deliver complex, integrated solutions
Qualifications We Prefer
Experience with C++ and VxWorks.
Experience writing High-Level and Low-Level Requirements.
Experience writing Test Cases and Automated Test Procedures.
Experience with Civil Certification DO-178 – DAL A preferred.
Experience with design and development of Flight Management Systems, Software, Aircraft Applications or Middleware.
Familiar with revision control concepts and tools (e.g. GIT, Subversion, JIRA).
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
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.
*Position is remote; however, if you live within a reasonable commute of a Collins site with other colleagues you interact with, your manager will discuss whether there is a degree of onsite presence associated with this role
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 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
Upload your resume now
- To unlock remote work opportunities and be discovered by global employers.
This job listing has been manually reviewed by the Jobicy Trust & Safety Team for compliance with our posting guidelines, including verification of the company's legitimacy, accuracy of job details, clarity of remote work policy, and absence of misleading or fraudulent content.
