Director, Strategy – C2 and AI (Mission Strategy) (Hybrid)

RTX•Cedar Rapids, IA

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

Collins Aerospace is seeking an experienced strategy leader to lead the Command and Control (C2) and AI foundational enabler components of the Connected Battlespace Strategy that will drive growth, innovation, and competitive advantage for Mission Systems. In this individual contributor role, you will help define long term strategic direction and identify opportunities that strengthen mission effectiveness, support evolving customer needs, and position the business for future growth. This position sits at the intersection of defense technology, operational concepts, and business strategy, requiring a strong understanding of military mission environments and emerging technology trends. You will lead strategic initiatives that influence investment decisions, technology priorities, and capability roadmaps across the organization through expertise, influence, and cross functional partnership rather than direct people leadership. Working closely with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders, you will translate operational challenges and customer requirements into actionable strategies that guide future capability development. From evaluating market trends and identifying technology gaps to supporting executive decision making and shaping long term plans, this role offers the opportunity to directly influence how advanced mission systems and AI driven capabilities evolve to support the modern battlespace. This is a hybrid role with the ability to be present onsite at one of our primary facilities (Cedar Rapids, IA; El Segundo, CA; McKinney, TX; or Dulles, VA).

Requirements

Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 14 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 12 years of experience
Experience developing or supporting military Command & Control (C2) systems, architectures, concepts, or mission environments
Experience developing strategy, roadmaps, or investment priorities for complex defense, aerospace, intelligence, or mission-critical technology programs
Experience translating operational requirements or customer needs into technology strategies, capability roadmaps, or investment decisions
Experience working cross-functionally with technical and business teams to influence strategic direction
Experience presenting recommendations, analyses, and strategic decisions to senior leaders or executive stakeholders
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

Nice To Haves

Active Secret or Top Secret clearance preferred
10+ years of experience supporting one or more of the following areas: Command & Control (C2) systems, Battle Management systems, ISR platforms and architectures, Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Tactical Communications, Mission Planning systems, Decision Support systems, or AI enabled military applications
Experience applying Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning capabilities to defense, mission systems, operational planning, autonomy, or decision support environments
Experience supporting defense modernization efforts and evolving military operational concepts
Experience working with U.S. Department of War customers, military operators, Combatant Commands, and/or government agencies
Experience developing technology roadmaps, portfolio strategies, and/or investment business cases
MBA or advanced technical degree preferred

Responsibilities

Lead strategic development and execution for the Command & Control (C2) pillar within the Connected Battlespace Strategy, shaping long-term technology direction and identifying growth opportunities across Mission Systems
Develop and drive the AI foundational enabler strategy across all the Connected Battlespace pillars, with emphasis on how AI can improve operational effectiveness, accelerate decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and enable mission autonomy
Partner with engineering, business development, programs, operations, and senior leadership teams to identify capability gaps and define investment priorities that align with customer needs and long-term business objectives
Lead Mission Systems strategic investment planning activities, including Long Range Planning (LRP), technology prioritization, and capability roadmap development
Conduct market, competitive, customer, and technology assessments to identify emerging trends, threats, and opportunities within C2 and AI-enabled mission systems
Translate operational concepts, customer challenges, and future mission needs into actionable technology and business strategies
Develop capability gap closure plans and technology roadmaps that support future mission requirements and portfolio growth
Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and recommendations to senior leadership regarding investment decisions, strategic priorities, and market positioning
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, government organizations, industry partners, and technology teams, to align strategic initiatives and influence future capability development

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.