Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted

2026-06-05

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

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

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.

Sign-on Bonus Eligible

What YOU will do

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Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and sustainment

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Develop and manage system requirements, interface control documents, and verification plans

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Ensure training systems accurately represent aircraft mission systems, including radar, communications, and command & control functions

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Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers to integrate subsystems into cohesive training solutions

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Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE) activities and maintain system architecture artifacts

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Conduct system-level testing, validation, and verification to ensure performance meets operational needs

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Interface with customers, program managers, and external stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements

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Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies related to system performance, integration, and delivery

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Support upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management for existing training systems

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Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes

Qualifications You Must Have

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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

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Active and transferable U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date

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U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract

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Experience with avionics, radar systems, or airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms

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Strong understanding of systems engineering lifecycle processes (e.g., requirements, design, integration, V&V)

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Ability to work in a classified environment and obtain/maintain required security clearance

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Strong communication and collaboration skills

Qualifications We Prefer

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15+ years of experience in systems engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or simulation/training systems

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Experience with naval aviation platforms

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Background in simulation and training system development

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Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed simulation or virtual training environments

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Experience with hardware/software integration and lab environments

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Experience with systems modeling tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS, or similar)

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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

Some of our competitive benefits package includes

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Medical, dental, and vision insurance

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Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees

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Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option

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Tuition reimbursement program

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Student Loan Repayment Program

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Life insurance and disability coverage

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Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection

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Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits

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Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning

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Adoption Assistance

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Autism Benefit

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Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions

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Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program

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Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits

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Bright Horizons, child and elder care services

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Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program

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Eligible for relocation assistance

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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.

Relocation: Assistance may be provided

Employee Referral Eligible

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.

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