Applied Research Engineer – Embedded Battlespace Systems (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-11-13

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166

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: Top Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

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.

Join a fast-growing Applied Research & Technology (ART) team where your technical expertise and ideas can help solve some of the most complex cybersecurity challenges facing connected systems today. This is an opportunity to push beyond traditional engineering boundaries, explore emerging technologies, and develop innovative security solutions that protect mission-critical cyber-physical systems.

We're looking for experienced Cyber Engineers who are passionate about research, innovation, and tackling challenges at the intersection of cybersecurity, embedded systems, and advanced communications. You'll bring your expertise in areas such as threat modeling, vulnerability research, embedded and operational technology (OT) security, and cyber-physical systems to influence technical direction and turn emerging concepts into real-world capabilities.

Beyond the technical work, you'll have the opportunity to shape research priorities, collaborate with industry experts and customers, influence future technology investments, and help bring groundbreaking innovations from concept to demonstration. If you're energized by solving complex problems, exploring what's next, and seeing your ideas make a tangible impact, this is an opportunity to make a difference.

Signing Bonus Eligible

What You’ll Do

• Drive innovative cybersecurity research, taking emerging concepts and technologies from early-stage exploration through development, integration, and demonstration
• Leverage your technical expertise to influence research direction and develop next-generation security capabilities for connected cyber-physical platforms
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to tackle complex challenges and bring new ideas to life
• Showcase innovative technologies through advanced demonstrations, engaging customers early and helping translate research into meaningful business and mission impact
• Partner with customers, business leaders, and technology stakeholders across Collins to identify emerging opportunities and shape future research initiatives
• Contribute to technical proposals and government-sponsored science and technology programs, helping advance innovative solutions for critical aerospace and defense applications
• Travel approximately 10% to support customer and business engagements

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years of experience
• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, embedded systems, cyber-physical systems, or related engineering disciplines
• Demonstrated experience leading technical research and development initiatives, from concept through technology development and demonstration
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical environments
• Expertise in threat modeling, vulnerability research, embedded security, operational technology (OT), or cyber-physical systems
• Hands-on experience with FPGA development, embedded systems, or connected cyber-physical platforms
• Experience designing, developing, or securing software applications using modern software development practices
• Active U.S. Department of Defense Top Secret clearance (SCI eligibility preferred)
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence technical direction and engage stakeholders at all levels

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!

*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.

Learn More & Apply Now!

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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