Principal Engineer, Software Engineering- Swift & Python (Hybrid)

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Does it excite you to create innovative solutions to complex technical problems and shape the future of aviation operations technology?

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in advanced technologically and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry.

As a Principal Software Engineer in the FlightHub program, you will lead the development of cutting-edge, integrated solutions that empower airline operators and flight crews with real-time data, streamlined workflows, and actionable insights for more efficient and safe flight operations. FlightHub is a transformative, all-in-one flight operations solution that enables airlines to manage their entire flight process—from pre-flight planning to in-flight connectivity and post-flight analysis—within a single, connected cockpit ecosystem.

In this role, you’ll leverage your technical expertise to design and implement scalable software solutions, ensuring alignment with FlightHub’s mission to improve operational efficiency and enhance situational awareness for crews and operations teams. You will work closely with team members based in France, India, and Mexicali as part of cross-functional agile teams—including product management, UX/UI design, infrastructure, and QA—to ensure high-quality, compliant, and high-performance software solutions. In addition to contributing to the technical roadmap, you will mentor junior engineers and play a pivotal role in advancing agile methodologies, driving faster and more efficient development cycles across the global team.

The FlightHub Engineering Team is dedicated to delivering high-impact software solutions that help airlines enhance operational efficiency, improve flight safety, and reduce costs. With a deep understanding of aviations unique demands, the team builds innovative tools for efficient, data-driven decision-making in the connected cockpit. The FlightHub platform brings together applications for flight planning, tracking, and performance optimization, all within a secure, cohesive interface that integrates seamlessly with other airline systems. Engineers on the team work closely with stakeholders across the FlightHub ecosystem to enhance product offerings, optimize in-flight data connectivity, and advance features that provide critical insights for flight crew and operations teams. This agile, collaborative team values continuous improvement and is committed to the highest standards of software engineering, security, and aviation compliance.

Regardless of role, we expect excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all hires at Collins Aerospace. We look for candidates who will thrive here, meaning they demonstrate clear communication, embrace open feedback, trust their colleagues, and are driven to execute, deliver, and complete projects independently and efficiently.  

This role is Hybrid (3 days/week on site) and can be based in either Annapolis, MD or Cedar Rapids, IA.

What You Will Do: 

• Design, build, and maintain iOS applications for flight crew and operations teams, leveraging Swift programming and iOS frameworks to deliver a seamless, intuitive user experience that aligns with the unique needs of commercial aviation.

• Develop backend services and infrastructure to support real-time data synchronization and secure communication between ground operations and in-flight applications, using Python, AWS, and other cloud-based technologies.

• Collaborate with QA and Systems Engineering teams to rigorously test applications, ensuring compliance with aviation industry standards and delivering resilient, scalable solutions that prioritize safety and performance.

• Contribute to the technical roadmap, identifying opportunities to integrate new technologies and optimize system performance, while mentoring junior engineers and promoting best practices in agile development, DevOps and mobile application engineering.

• Work with global, cross-functional teams in EMEA and APAC regions, demonstrating strong cultural awareness, effective communication skills, and flexibility across time zones to support international collaboration.

• Drive technical innovation, shape the future of connected cockpit solutions, and make a meaningful impact on commercial aviations journey towards a safer, smarter, and more efficient future.

Qualifications You Must Have: 

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) unless prohibited by local laws/regulations and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience or in absence of a degree, 12 years of relevant experience.

• Experience serving as a technical lead with the following: delivering product enhancements, mentorship of other engineers, and influencing architectural decisions for performance-optimized applications for mobile platforms.

• iOS application experience in Swift programming and other iOS frameworks, backend development and cloud technologies like Python, AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS), and RESTful API design to build and manage scalable, secure server-side applications.

• Experience with CI/CD, DevOps, and agile methodologies to enable faster development cycles and effective collaboration.

Qualifications We Prefer: 

• Experience with large-scale SaaS system design, data management, and microservice integration.

• Knowledge of containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) for deployment of scalable, microservices-based applications.

• Certified AWS Solutions Architect for advanced cloud management skills.

• Understanding of flight plans and FAA/EUROControl regulations.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and communication abilities, with a collaborative mindset and a passion for mentoring team members and driving innovation.

• An agile mindset with a focus on learning, rapid iteration, and an openness to new approaches.

• You have a passion for aviation.

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! 

Diversity drives innovation; inclusion drives success. We believe a multitude of approaches and ideas enable us to deliver the best results for our workforce, workplace, and customers. We are committed to fostering a culture where all employees can share their passions and ideas so we can tackle the toughest challenges in our industry and pave new paths to limitless possibility. 

reempowerprogram 

This role is also eligible for the Re-Empower Program. The Re-Empower Program helps support talented and committed professionals as they rebuild their capabilities, enhance leadership skills, and continue their professional journey. Over the course of the 14-week program, experienced professionals will gain paid, on-the-job experience, have an opportunity to participate in sessions with leadership, develop personalized plans for success and receive coaching to guide their return-to-work experience. Upon completion of the program, based on performance and contributions participants will be eligible for a career at RTX. 

Minimum Program Qualifications: 

• Be on a career break of one or more year at time of application 
• Have prior experience in functional area of interest 
• Have interest in returning in either a full-time or part-time position 

Connected Aviation Solutions: 

Our Connected Aviation Solutions team provides advanced information management systems, products and services that enable the connected ecosystem by bringing together Collins’ unique breadth of aviation products with our smart digital solutions to help us enhance every aspect of the end-to-end travel experience. We help airlines, airports and business aircraft turn data into value to streamline operations, increase efficiency and reduce cost, enhance the passenger experience and contribute to sustainable flight. By combining the best networks, connectivity and data/analytics solutions, we’re solving big problems for our customers and the world, while enhancing the security and connectivity of systems both on and off the aircraft, to help operators and passengers stay more connected and informed and create a more sustainable, efficient, reliable and enjoyable travel experience. Aviation connects the world. Our Connected Aviation Solutions team connects aviation. Sustainably. Seamlessly. Securely. 

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

• Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite.  Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader. 

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. 

The salary range for this role is 105,000 USD - 221,000 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/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

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