Principal Project Engineer – Bid and Proposal Lead

Date Posted:

2026-08-31



Country:

United States of America



Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-121 ~ 350 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 121



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

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, 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. 

The Open Systems Solutions (OSS) Products develops open standards–compliant modular solutions and enables rapid deployment of mission critical capabilities to the warfighter. As part of Collins Mission Systems, OSS provides advanced communications, flight and ground computing, sensors, cyber solutions, and mission system integration. 

We are seeking a Principal Project Engineer Bid & Proposal Lead who is highly organized and detail oriented to manage end to end responses to requests for Proposals (RFPs) and lead competitive bids. The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating cross functional teams, ensuring compliant and compelling proposal submissions, and supporting follow on negotiation activities and early program planning once awards are made. You will work in a classified lab environment, supporting both technical planning and program execution in a classified lab environment, enabling close collaboration with engineering teams during pursuits and early program startup.

What You Will Do
    • Serve as the primary lead for reviewing RFPs, identifying requirements, risks, and discriminators
    • Develop bid strategies and lead the creation, coordination, and delivery of compliant, high quality proposals
    • Lead make versus buy analyses, manage subcontractor quotes, develop Subcontractor Statements of Work (SSOW), and provide ongoing oversight
    • Facilitate and manage reviews, schedules, and content development across engineering, program management, finance, supply chain, and leadership stakeholders
    • Prepare for and support negotiations by developing negotiation positions, creating BOEs, interfacing with the customer to resolve technical questions, and contributing to customer aligned messaging and discussions
    • Assist program teams with early planning activities post award, including scope verification, baseline creation, and transition from pursuit to execution
    • Maintain knowledge of business processes, gate reviews, and corporate proposal standards
    • Track and manage proposal artifacts, actions, and status to ensure alignment with deadlines and quality expectations
    • Contribute to product and technology road-mapping by aligning bid strategies and solution approaches with long term program and business objectives
    • Contribute to continuous improvement in proposal processes, templates, tools, and bid management practices

    • 10% travel required

Qualifications You Must Have
    • Experience with proposal development, bid leadership, or program pursuit roles
    • Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex RFP requirements
    • Experience with bidding, estimating tools (SEER), and BOE development 
    • Experience with EVM and understanding of government reporting requirements
    • Experience with risk & opportunity management
    • Proven ability to plan and execute engineering work to meet schedule, cost, and performance goals
    • Familiarity with Agile processes and methodologies, including participation in Scrum or SAFe teams
    • Experience with development processes including requirements capture, design, decomposition, integration, verification/validation, and transition to production
    • Ability to coordinate across multiple functions and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines
    • Active and transferable U.S. government issued SECRET security clearance is required prior to start date 
    • U.S. citizenship only (dual citizenship not permitted) is required, as access to information under this program/contract is restricted to individuals with sole U.S. citizenship
    • 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 in aerospace, defense, or similar regulated industries
    • Familiarity with government contracting, FAR/DFARS, TINA compliance, and customer requirements
    • Prior involvement in negotiation support or program startup activities
    • Experience with tools such as ProPricer, MS Project, or proposal management systems

What We Offer
    • 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 
    • Carrot Health to hormonal 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
    • This position is eligible for relocation assistance
    • 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. 
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.  

Employee Referral Eligible

#MISENG

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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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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