Autonomy AI/ML Software Engineer (Onsite)

RTX•Cedar Rapids, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. We are seeking a forward‑leaning AI/ML Software Engineer to advance next‑generation Command and Control and Autonomy capabilities for the Connected Battlespace. In this role, you will design and implement distributed reasoning, multi‑agent coordination, and mission‑adaptive autonomy technologies that operate across cooperative, competitive, and adversarial environments. You will architect intelligent, resilient, edge‑deployed AI systems that support both near‑term mission insertion and future-state capability development. This position sits within Defense Technology’s Applied Research and Technology organization, partnering across Collins to define and deliver breakthrough autonomy, explainable AI, and decentralized C2 solutions. Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Cedar Rapids, IA location.

Requirements

Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, or related field
5+ years of experience in AI/ML, autonomy, distributed systems, or advanced C2 architectures
Strong background in probabilistic reasoning, reinforcement learning, or multi‑agent systems
Experience building resilient distributed computing or edge‑deployed systems
Proficiency in Python and at least one systems language such as C++, Rust, or Go
Experience developing and deploying ML models using frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
Familiarity with autonomy or distributed‑system frameworks such as ROS/ROS2, messaging/streaming platforms, or agent‑based environments
Experience deploying AI technologies into operational or near‑operational environments
Experience with autonomy evaluation, simulation‑based testing, or mission analytics
U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract
U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret) on Day 1 of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience implementing explainable AI, safety‑constrained autonomy, or reasoning guardrails
Background in human‑machine teaming, operator‑centric autonomy, or cognitive‑aware interfaces
Experience developing AI or autonomy systems for contested, DDIL, or bandwidth‑limited environments
Familiarity with Neurosymbolic AI, hybrid reasoning architectures, or distributed Bayesian inference
Experience with multi‑agent coordination, distributed optimization, or Value‑of‑Information‑driven algorithms
Integration experience with edge‑to‑cloud distributed autonomy architectures
Experience supporting advanced research programs, IRAD strategy, or technology transition planning
Demonstrated ability to guide technical approach, architectural direction, or cross‑team autonomy strategy

Responsibilities

Develop multi‑agent coordination algorithms and distributed C2 autonomy behaviors
Apply reinforcement learning to resource allocation, tasking, and cooperative/adversarial scenarios
Design intent‑driven autonomy functions that translate commander intent into executable behaviors
Implement multimodal human‑machine interaction capabilities and operator‑centric mission tools
Engineer probabilistic reasoning, adaptive learning, and intelligent data‑management components for DDIL environments
Build and integrate distributed AI agents into simulation, laboratory, and operationally representative test environments
Develop scalable autonomy and AI architectures spanning edge nodes, federated systems, and cloud environments
Implement and maintain MLOps pipelines for continuous model refinement, evaluation, and deployment
Ensure interoperability with open standards, cyber‑secure interfaces, and multi‑domain system requirements
Transition advanced autonomy concepts into operational prototypes and mission systems

Benefits

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!