Systems Engineer – Communications, Interface Integration

RTX

Lead technical direction on aerospace communication interfaces and serial data bus architectures. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to shape strategy and drive program execution.

Posted 5/4/2026full-timeRockford • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $86,800 - $165,200 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonVBA

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide technical direction across systems, hardware, software, and test engineering to architect robust communication and interface solutions for power distribution systems
Own the interface I/O and communications architecture strategy, influencing design decisions and shaping long-term communication approaches across platforms
Decompose system-level requirements into actionable hardware, software, and test requirements to ensure alignment and efficiency
Perform project estimation, defining scope, staffing needs, cost drivers, and schedule impacts for interface development tasks
Lead Agile-based planning, sprint execution, backlog refinement, and cross-team coordination
Track progress, risks, and dependencies across engineering teams, ensuring milestones are met and communicated effectively
Develop, monitor, and manage budgets, earned value, and resource allocation for interface development efforts
Create and maintain multi-year technology roadmaps for data bus strategies, interface architectures, tool improvements, automation, and test capabilities
Identify opportunities to mature communication technologies, improve development efficiency, and streamline integration workflows
Drive innovation in data bus technologies (ARINC, CAN, 1553, AFDX, Ethernet), modeling tools, and verification methods
Mentor junior engineers in requirements development, debugging, lab practices, and systems thinking
Contribute to performance feedback, skill development planning, and technical career growth for the team
Lead technical design reviews, champion good engineering discipline, and maintain a culture of quality and continuous improvement
Develop interface verification strategies, simulation approaches, and system-level test plans
Lead hands-on integration efforts in system labs, ensuring proper electrical behavior, data bus communication, and system interoperability
Direct root-cause investigations, troubleshooting activities, and corrective-action implementation
Oversee creation and maintenance of ICDs, I/O signal definitions, and data path documentation using modern web-based tools
Ensure traceability and configuration control across DOORS, Synergy, and Agile artifacts
Present schedule updates, risk assessments, architectural decisions, and integration results to leadership and external stakeholders.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)
minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
Electrical engineering background with hands-on experience in aerospace communication standards (ARINC 664/AFDX, ARINC 429, ARINC 825/CAN, MIL-STD-1553B, ARINC 629)
Experience designing, analyzing, or verifying Ethernet or CAN communication hardware
Strong understanding of signal integrity, transmission line theory, and lab-based debugging tools (oscilloscope, TDR)
Experience with project estimation, schedule and resource planning, Agile execution (Scrum, SAFe), and budget tracking
Demonstrated ability to create technology roadmaps, perform multi-year planning, and coordinate effectively across cross-functional teams
Proficiency with DOORS, Synergy, JIRA, and modern version control practices
Experience using Python, VBA, XML, or DXL for automation and data transformation
Familiarity with aviation data bus design assurance standards such as CRI-F66, CRI-F30, CM E-09, and AC 20-156.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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!

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

project estimationAgile executionsignal integritytransmission line theoryhardware designcommunication verificationautomationdata transformationinterface verificationroot-cause investigation

Soft Skills

technical directioncross-team coordinationmentoringcommunicationleadershipproblem-solvinginnovationcontinuous improvementplanningrisk assessment