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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Systems Engineer (ONSITE) - **Company:** RTX - **Location:** Sterling, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $118,300.0 - $224,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Algorithm Design, Systems Engineering, Computer Vision, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Communications Protocols, MATLAB, Motion Planning, Real-Time Operating Systems, Requirements Management, Sensor Fusion, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, System Integration Testing, Systems Integration, Deployment Automation, GNSS - **Published:** August 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.techcareers.com/job.asp?id=3347477252&tx=HT7569TTT&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54 ## About the Role The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.?, * Strong working knowledge of C/C++, embedded and application software development background, using Matlab and real time operating systems * Experience with developing certified safety critical systems * Experience with system integration testing on hardware in a lab environment * Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience Qualifications We Prefer * Experience evaluating inertial, air data and magnetometer sensors * Working knowledge of the Systems Engineering Discipline * Working knowledge and experience with GNSS, DGNSS, RTK and WAAS * Experience working with Requirements Based Development and Requirements Management Tools * Experience with embedded communications protocols, antennas and Flight Dynamics for Rotary and Fixed Wing Platforms * Experience troubleshooting and finding solutions for test equipment and automated test failures * Experience in developing system level solutions that integrate multiple systems into a single offering * Have knowledge and experience with the aerospace industry, sensor fusion, vehicle control, computer vision, and algorithm development ## Description Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is looking for a Principal Systems Engineer with a passion for engineering and desire to join the Athena Control Systems Team. With a wide variety of Flight Controls, Autopilot, Engine Control, Sensing and Estimation products, the Athena Controls System Team is responsible for architecting, designing, and developing systems that serve manned and unmanned systems for commercial and military customers. As a Principal Systems Engineer on the Athena Control Systems Team, you will be leading the development, certification, and maintenance of systems for safety-critical commercial and military applications. In this role, you'll work with a team of highly motivated world class engineers, ensuring our solutions meet the highest standards of quality and safety. You will be asked to apply your knowledge in the following areas to a variety of products/applications that are relevant to both military and commercial industries: * System dynamics and state estimation (linear/nonlinear, navigation/PNT, cooperative PNT, distributed PNT, inertial sensor modeling, oscillator modeling) * Guidance (path planning, mission planning, cooperative teaming, tactical maneuvering) * Control (Fixed Wing, VTOL, HVTOL, Rotorcraft) * Perception (Classification, Identification, SLAM, Feature tracking, Automatic Target Recognition), * Lead and participate in software design and program reviews to ensure team progress against milestones are met and tracking project schedules * Write software integration and test plans; conduct and lead software integration and verification testing to deliver safe high-quality solutions * Lead and manage the engineering bid and planning process for a multi-disciplinary engineering team * Work on multiple programs simultaneously * Provide communication and status to relevant stakeholders * Support verification and traceability of the system requirements * Support peer reviews on test procedures & design documentation * Help drive resolution for technical issues through problem-solving and coordination across impacted teams and subject matter experts * Opportunity to help improve our development processes and tools * This position will require up to 15% travel ## Related Videos - [Robots 2.0: When artificial intelligence meets steel](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1452-robots-2-0-when-artificial-intelligence-meets-steel) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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