Collins Aerospace
Associate Director, Engineering Leader - JADC2 Experimentation and Demonstration
Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States, 52404
Associate Director, Engineering Leader - JADC2 Experimentation and Demonstration Team
Location:
HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0505 USA
Date Posted:
2026-01-02
Country:
United States of America
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizenship and Security Clearance:
U.S. citizenship required. Active, transferable DoD Secret clearance required prior to start.
Seniority level:
Director
Employment type:
Full-time
Job function:
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries:
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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 advanced solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. We are seeking an experienced and innovative Associate Director to lead the JADC2 Experimentation and Demonstration team, focusing on integration and demonstration of advanced capabilities that enable multi‑domain operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, leadership experience, and a passion for advancing JADC2 capabilities.
What You Will Do
Lead the JADC2 Experimentation and Demonstration team in the design, development, and integration of advanced capabilities and technologies.
Oversee the planning and execution of system demonstrations, experiments, and prototypes to showcase JADC2 capabilities to customers and stakeholders.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—program management, software engineering, hardware engineering, and business development—to ensure alignment with customer requirements and program objectives.
Coordinate staffing needs, identify and allocate resources to support successful demonstration programs and experiments.
Develop and implement systems engineering processes and best practices to ensure technical excellence and program success.
Serve as the primary interface with internal stakeholders and leaders, providing updates on demonstration progress.
Drive innovation and continuous improvement in JADC2 systems and processes to maintain a competitive edge.
Apply expertise in airworthiness certification and cyber approvals to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements for system demonstrations.
Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.
Qualifications You Must Have
Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 12 years relevant experience, or an advanced degree and a minimum of 10 years experience.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems engineering with a focus on defense or aerospace systems.
Proven leadership experience managing teams and leading complex technical projects.
Strong understanding of JADC2 concepts, technologies, and operational requirements.
Experience with system integration, testing, and demonstration in a multi‑domain environment.
Experience with airworthiness certification processes and cyber approvals for mission‑critical systems.
Active, transferable DoD Secret security clearance required prior to start.
Qualifications We Prefer
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with customers, stakeholders, and team members.
Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and requirements.
Active Top Secret/SCI clearance or eligibility to upgrade.
Familiarity with current DoD capabilities in command and control, communications, and datalinks.
Familiarity with emerging technologies in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous systems.
What We Offer
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching 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: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
Access to Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning resources.
Adoption assistance.
Autism benefit.
Employee Assistance Plan with up to 10 free counseling sessions.
Healthy You incentives and wellness rewards program.
Doctor on Demand and virtual doctor visits.
Bright Horizons child and elder care services.
Teladoc Medical Experts second opinion program.
Eligibility for relocation assistance.
And more.
The salary range for this role is $157,200 USD – $298,800 USD.
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 depend on the business unit and whether the position is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may also be eligible for annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs depending on level and whether the position is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement. Payments under these programs are not guaranteed and depend on performance factors.
This role is U.S.-based. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. Factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may cause RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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. 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.
Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms.
Onsite Work 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52498-0505 USA
Date Posted:
2026-01-02
Country:
United States of America
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizenship and Security Clearance:
U.S. citizenship required. Active, transferable DoD Secret clearance required prior to start.
Seniority level:
Director
Employment type:
Full-time
Job function:
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries:
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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 advanced solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. We are seeking an experienced and innovative Associate Director to lead the JADC2 Experimentation and Demonstration team, focusing on integration and demonstration of advanced capabilities that enable multi‑domain operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, leadership experience, and a passion for advancing JADC2 capabilities.
What You Will Do
Lead the JADC2 Experimentation and Demonstration team in the design, development, and integration of advanced capabilities and technologies.
Oversee the planning and execution of system demonstrations, experiments, and prototypes to showcase JADC2 capabilities to customers and stakeholders.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—program management, software engineering, hardware engineering, and business development—to ensure alignment with customer requirements and program objectives.
Coordinate staffing needs, identify and allocate resources to support successful demonstration programs and experiments.
Develop and implement systems engineering processes and best practices to ensure technical excellence and program success.
Serve as the primary interface with internal stakeholders and leaders, providing updates on demonstration progress.
Drive innovation and continuous improvement in JADC2 systems and processes to maintain a competitive edge.
Apply expertise in airworthiness certification and cyber approvals to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements for system demonstrations.
Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.
Qualifications You Must Have
Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 12 years relevant experience, or an advanced degree and a minimum of 10 years experience.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems engineering with a focus on defense or aerospace systems.
Proven leadership experience managing teams and leading complex technical projects.
Strong understanding of JADC2 concepts, technologies, and operational requirements.
Experience with system integration, testing, and demonstration in a multi‑domain environment.
Experience with airworthiness certification processes and cyber approvals for mission‑critical systems.
Active, transferable DoD Secret security clearance required prior to start.
Qualifications We Prefer
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with customers, stakeholders, and team members.
Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and requirements.
Active Top Secret/SCI clearance or eligibility to upgrade.
Familiarity with current DoD capabilities in command and control, communications, and datalinks.
Familiarity with emerging technologies in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous systems.
What We Offer
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching 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: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
Access to Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning resources.
Adoption assistance.
Autism benefit.
Employee Assistance Plan with up to 10 free counseling sessions.
Healthy You incentives and wellness rewards program.
Doctor on Demand and virtual doctor visits.
Bright Horizons child and elder care services.
Teladoc Medical Experts second opinion program.
Eligibility for relocation assistance.
And more.
The salary range for this role is $157,200 USD – $298,800 USD.
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 depend on the business unit and whether the position is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may also be eligible for annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs depending on level and whether the position is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement. Payments under these programs are not guaranteed and depend on performance factors.
This role is U.S.-based. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. Factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may cause RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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. 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.
Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms.
Onsite Work 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr