Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Lead - Advanced Tanker Engineering (Onsite) at RTX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Lead - Advanced Tanker Engineering (Onsite)
Company: RTX
Location: HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52498-0505 USA
Job Type: On-site
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-06-25
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead a cross-functional team through the full systems development lifecycle for a complex avionics video processing system.
Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software teams to manage program dependencies and schedules.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including engineering, program management, and customers.
Develop and maintain comprehensive execution plans, schedules, and documentation.
Coach and mentor program CAMs and team leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems engineering and proven leadership experience to successfully guide a team through complex projects in the aerospace industry.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Systems Engineering: Lead the full life cycle of systems engineering activities, ensuring compliance with system requirements.
Stakeholder Communication: Communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, including engineering, program management, and customers.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software teams to manage program dependencies and schedules.
Program Management: Responsible for program management activities, such as technical and engineering execution risk management, earned value, and action item capture and closure.
Team Leadership: Lead and pursuit activities, identify skills needed, and request the staffing necessary to implement the defined plan while maintaining close coordination with engineering managers.
Mentoring: Coach and mentor program CAMs and team leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a balance of technical expertise and strong leadership skills to effectively manage complex projects and teams in the aerospace industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) is required.

Experience:

10+ years of relevant experience in systems engineering, with a significant focus on leading teams of engineers.
Proven track record as a Project Engineer or Technical Program Manager in the aerospace, defense, or a closely related industry.

Required Skills:

Experience in all phases of development from bid and pursuit through production transition.
Deep understanding of avionics system design, development, and integration processes.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical teams, management, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

Experience in systems engineering with a focus on leading teams of engineers.
Proven track record as a Project Engineer or Technical Program Manager in the aerospace, defense, or a closely related industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role requires a specific degree and experience level, the preferred skills section highlights the importance of strong leadership and communication skills for success in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in leading cross-functional teams through the full systems development lifecycle.
Showcase successful communication and collaboration with stakeholders, including engineering, program management, and customers.
Highlight experience in managing program dependencies and schedules, as well as risk management and action item capture and closure.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of comprehensive execution plans, schedules, and documentation for complex avionics video processing systems.
Include case studies or examples of successful team leadership, mentoring, and coaching efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on systems engineering and team leadership, the portfolio should emphasize these aspects, with a strong emphasis on communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is $124,000 - $250,000 USD per year. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

Benefits:

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits package are competitive and reflect the high level of responsibility and experience required for this role in the aerospace industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: RTX operates in the aerospace and defense industry, with a focus on avionics, including advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions.

Company Size: RTX is a large, global organization with a significant presence in the aerospace and defense industry.

Founded: RTX was founded in 1929, with a rich history and extensive experience in the aerospace and defense sector.

Team Structure:

The Advanced Tanker Engineering organization consists of cross-functional teams, including hardware, firmware, and software engineers.
The team structure is designed to facilitate collaboration and communication between different disciplines to ensure successful project execution.

Development Methodology:

RTX employs Agile methodologies for project management, with a focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
The organization emphasizes collaboration, communication, and cross-functional teamwork to deliver high-quality products and services to its customers.

Company Website: RTX Website

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's extensive experience and global presence in the aerospace and defense industry provide a strong foundation for the company's culture and approach to systems engineering and team leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the systems engineering discipline, requiring a high level of technical expertise and leadership experience.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Lead reports directly to the organization's leadership and is responsible for guiding a cross-functional team of engineers through complex projects.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on the successful development, integration, and deployment of complex avionics video processing systems, ensuring compliance with system requirements and customer expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand expertise in avionics system design, development, and integration processes, as well as leadership and project management skills.
Career Progression: Advance to a more senior role within the organization, such as a Principal Systems Engineer or a Technical Fellow, or transition into a management or executive position.
Technical Leadership: Develop the ability to lead and mentor larger teams, as well as influence strategic decision-making within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth and career progression within the aerospace and defense industry, with a focus on systems engineering and team leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: RTX's office in Cedar Rapids, IA, is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate communication and teamwork between employees.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Cedar Rapids, IA, with the opportunity for relocation to this location.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is equipped with modern tools and technologies to support the development and integration of complex avionics video processing systems.
The office layout encourages collaboration and communication between team members, as well as with other departments and stakeholders.
The work environment fosters a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and improvement.

Work Schedule: The role follows a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexible scheduling for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's work environment is designed to support the success of its employees, with a focus on collaboration, communication, and continuous learning and improvement.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Screening: Assess technical knowledge and problem-solving skills through a combination of behavioral and technical interview questions, as well as a case study or project presentation.
Team Fit Assessment: Evaluate cultural fit and communication skills through a team-based interview or group discussion.
Final Evaluation: Assess overall fit for the role, including leadership potential and strategic thinking, through a final interview with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight experience in leading cross-functional teams through the full systems development lifecycle.
Emphasize successful communication and collaboration with stakeholders, including engineering, program management, and customers.
Showcase experience in managing program dependencies and schedules, as well as risk management and action item capture and closure.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on avionics system design, development, and integration processes.
Familiarize yourself with RTX's products, services, and industry position.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to evaluate both technical expertise and leadership potential, with a focus on the candidate's ability to successfully guide a cross-functional team through complex projects in the aerospace industry.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools:

Requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama)
Systems modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink)
Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, JIRA, Atlassian Suite)

Avionics Systems & Technologies:

Avionics systems design and development tools
Video processing and display technologies
Sensor and data fusion systems

Collaboration & Communication Tools:

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
Collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on systems engineering, avionics systems design and development, and collaboration and communication tools to support successful project execution and team leadership.

👥 Team Culture & Values

RTX Values:

Innovation: Encourage creativity, continuous learning, and improvement in all aspects of the business.
Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions and decisions.
Performance: Strive for excellence in all endeavors, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and services to customers.
Collaboration: Foster a culture of teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among employees.
Sustainability: Commit to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.

Collaboration Style:

RTX emphasizes a collaborative, team-based approach to project execution, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork and communication.
The organization encourages open and honest communication, active listening, and constructive feedback to support the success of its employees and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's values and collaboration style are designed to support the success of its employees and projects, with a focus on innovation, integrity, performance, and sustainability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Navigating complex avionics video processing systems and ensuring compliance with system requirements.
Managing program dependencies and schedules, as well as risk management and action item capture and closure.
Collaborating effectively with stakeholders, including engineering, program management, and customers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Expand expertise in avionics system design, development, and integration processes.
Develop leadership and project management skills through mentoring, coaching, and on-the-job training.
Engage in continuous learning and professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and online courses.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth and career progression within the aerospace and defense industry, with a focus on systems engineering and team leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Describe your experience in leading cross-functional teams through the full systems development lifecycle for complex avionics video processing systems.
How have you managed program dependencies and schedules, as well as risk management and action item capture and closure, in previous roles?
Can you provide an example of a successful collaboration with stakeholders, including engineering, program management, and customers?

Company & Culture Questions:

How do you align with RTX's values and collaboration style?
Can you describe a challenging project you've worked on and how you overcame obstacles to deliver a successful outcome?
How do you approach mentoring and coaching team members to support their professional growth and development?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight experience in leading cross-functional teams through the full systems development lifecycle for complex avionics video processing systems.
Emphasize successful communication and collaboration with stakeholders, including engineering, program management, and customers.
Showcase experience in managing program dependencies and schedules, as well as risk management and action item capture and closure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation strategy for this role focuses on demonstrating technical expertise and leadership potential, with a focus on the candidate's ability to successfully guide a cross-functional team through complex projects in the aerospace industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Lead - Advanced Tanker Engineering (Onsite) position at RTX:

Customize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience in systems engineering, team leadership, and project management, as well as your proficiency with avionics systems design, development, and integration processes.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Emphasize your enthusiasm for the role, as well as your alignment with RTX's values and collaboration style.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your experience in leading cross-functional teams through the full systems development lifecycle, as well as your successful communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
Research RTX: Familiarize yourself with RTX's products, services, and industry position to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Lead - Advanced Tanker Engineering (Onsite)