Senior Principal Project Engineering Lead – Airborne SSPA Development (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-04-21

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-TX-RICHARDSON-461 ~ 3200 E Renner Rd ~ RENNER BLDG 461

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:

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

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.

Embark on a journey where your expertise in project leadership will help shape the future of aerospace technology.

At Collins Aerospace, we're not just at the forefront of engineering; we're crafting the backbone of mission-critical systems and safeguarding the lives of those who protect us. As part of our integrated product team leadership team, you'll immerse yourself in the intricacies of Strategic Nuclear Deterrence, bringing your acumen to the forefront of innovation and ensuring the efficacy and security of systems that are vital to national defense.

We are seeking a Sr. Principal Project Engineer (P5) to drive the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of a next‑generation Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) for a critical airborne defense platform. This role ensures technical execution, cross‑discipline integration, and design maturity as the program transitions from detailed design into qualification, manufacturing readiness, and integration with the host platform.

What You Will Do:

• Lead all engineering activities for the EMD phase, including design finalization, integration, verification planning, qualification test readiness, and transition to low‑rate production.

• Direct and coordinate multi‑disciplinary engineering teams across RF/power electronics, mechanical design, thermal management, systems engineering, and embedded software.

• Ensure requirements traceability and configuration control as the design evolves through CDR, TRR, and qualification milestones.

•  Oversee development of EMD‑level documentation including interface control documents, test procedures, verification matrices, and design release packages.

• Manage technical risk through structured risk charts, mitigation plans, design trades, and data‑driven decision making.

• Drive producibility, reliability, and manufacturability improvements consistent with EMD objectives and downstream production needs.

• Lead preparation and execution of environmental and functional qualification aligned with airborne standards and platform integration requirements.

• Collaborate closely with program management, operations, supply chain, and manufacturing engineering to ensure smooth transition to assembly, integration, and test (AIT).

• Maintain strong customer engagement through technical interchange meetings, EMD reviews, progress briefings, and issue resolution.

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.

• 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

• Previous experience leading engineering development within EMD or similar mid‑to‑late lifecycle program phases in defense or aerospace.

• Previous experience working with RF systems, power electronics, or high‑power amplifier development.

• Previous experience leading multi‑discipline teams through design release, integration, verification, and qualification.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and risk‑management skills.

• Prior experience with SSPA development or high‑power RF subsystems for airborne platforms.

• Familiarity with airborne environmental qualification standards (DO‑160/MIL-STD-810) and EMI/EMC (MIL-STD-461).

• Experience with model‑based systems engineering or digital engineering workflows.

• Background supporting EMD‑phase readiness reviews, audits, and platform integration activities.

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 

•  And more!  

Learn More & Apply Now

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. 

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

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.  

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.

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