Principal Hardware Engineer Lead; ONSITE

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, a leader in the aerospace and defense industry, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Hardware Engineer Lead to join our Protected Communications Systems (PCS) team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the design, development, and implementation of advanced protected communication systems. This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of hardware engineering principles, as well as extensive experience in the secure communications domain.

• Lead the hardware design and development efforts for protected communication, precision navigation, and navigation systems, ensuring the highest levels of performance, reliability, and security.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including software, systems, and test engineering to deliver integrated solutions that meet customer requirements.
• Oversee the entire hardware development lifecycle, from concept through production and deployment, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Oversee rigorous testing and validation of hardware components to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to drive continuous improvement and innovation in secure communication hardware.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to gather requirements, provide technical updates, and ensure satisfaction with delivered products.

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in hardware engineering, with at least 5 years of hardware lead or control account manager (CAM) experience.
• Proven track record of leading hardware development projects from concept to production.
• Strong understanding of RF and microwave communication and radar systems, electronics packaging, and mechanical design.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex hardware issues.
• Experience with the Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles and practices on externally reported programs, including estimates at completion (EACs), latest review estimates (LRE), cost and schedule variance narratives, and baseline change requests.
• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years prior relevant experience or an advanced degree in a related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government‑issued security clearance is required.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

• Experience with military and commercial secure communication standards and protocols.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles as they apply to hardware design and implementation.
• Knowledge of environmental testing and qualification processes for communication hardware.
• Previous experience working in a defense or aerospace company.
• Active SECRET security clearance or higher.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student loan repayment program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal,  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.
• Relocation assistance eligibility.
• And more!

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins…