Principal AI/ML Software Engineer - Autonomy; Onsite
Listed on 2026-03-25
-
IT/Tech
AI Engineer, Systems Engineer, Machine Learning/ ML Engineer, Robotics
Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-108 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 108
Date Posted:
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-108 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 108
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
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
Security Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance:
Secret
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
Principal AI/ML Software Engineer - Autonomy (Onsite)
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.
What You Will Do:
- 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
- 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 Tensor Flow
- 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…
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