Principal Hardware Design Engineer – Computing Products

RTX

Principal electrical engineer designing and testing ruggedized avionics computers, video modules, and networking hardware for Collins Aerospace. Leading circuit design, PCB layout oversight, integration, verification, and cross-functional hardware development.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeCedar Rapids • Iowa • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $107,500 - $204,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and analyzing Circuit Card Assemblies for avionics systems, with a strong focus on hardware integration testing, troubleshooting, and compliance with avionics regulatory requirements. Proven ability to mentor engineers and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful product development.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Circuit Card Assembly DesignHardware Integration TestingAvionics Regulatory ComplianceRoot Cause AnalysisMentoring and Task Delegation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Circuit DesignMixed-Signal DesignTroubleshootingEMI/EMC TestingPCB LayoutElectrical Circuit SimulationDesign for ManufacturingDesign for TestAvionics I/O Interface DesignFactory Transition Support

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationCollaborationIndependent WorkPresentation Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or MathematicsTSO CertificationDO-160 CertificationDO-254 CertificationMIL-STD-461 Certification

Industry Keywords

AvionicsDefense IndustryAerospace IndustryDesign to CostProgram Pursuit

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and analyze Circuit Card Assemblies for avionics computers, including processors, memory, and interfaces
Perform hardware integration testing using laboratory equipment
Capture schematics for mixed-signal digital/analog electrical circuit designs
Design avionics I/O interfaces including Ethernet, ARINC 429, MIL-STD 1553, and PCIe
Oversee Printed Circuit Board layout
Apply Design to Cost, Design for Manufacturing, and Design for Test practices
Mentor less experienced engineers and delegate tasks
Support all phases of the hardware development lifecycle, including program pursuit, design, integration, verification, and factory transition
Collaborate with Systems, Software, Mechanical, Environmental Effects, Manufacturing/Operations, and Design-to-Cost teams
Ensure product requirements are successfully achieved
Perform hands-on troubleshooting and, where applicable, root cause analysis and corrective actions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics and minimum 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
Hands-on troubleshooting experience
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to work collaboratively and independently on assigned tasks
Experience in the defense or aerospace industry preferred
Experience with EMI/EMC, lightning protection circuits, and testing preferred
Demonstrated use of software tools for electrical circuit simulation and/or PCB layout preferred
Experience with avionics regulatory and certification requirements including TSO, DO-160, DO-254, or MIL-STD-461 preferred
Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions preferred
U.S. citizenship required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution
Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional pet insurance
Optional home and auto insurance
Optional additional life and accident insurance
Optional critical illness insurance
Optional group legal coverage
Optional ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, and 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
Flexible work schedules
Flexible spending accounts
Employee Scholar Program
Paid time off and holidays
Potential annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs