Software Engineer II –AI Enabled Tactical Autonomy

Date Posted:

2026-07-13

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

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace 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.

Join our team to develop next-generation AI-enabled autonomy software that powers intelligent, mission-critical systems at the tactical edge. As a Software Engineer II, you'll build intelligent agent behaviors, multi-agent coordination, and machine learning capabilities that enable distributed platforms to collaborate and make autonomous decisions in challenging, communications-constrained (DDIL) environments.

You'll work with cutting-edge AI, autonomy, and edge computing technologies, contributing to modeling, simulation, and real-world experimentation to help shape the future of defense and autonomous systems.

What You Will Do

Develop AI-enabled autonomy software that supports intelligent decision-making and mission execution in distributed, multi-domain environments.

Design and implement intelligent agent behaviors, machine learning models, and edge-based AI capabilities for tactical systems.

Build software that enables autonomous platforms to coordinate tasks, share information, and operate effectively in Denied, Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments.

Contribute to cross-platform orchestration and adaptive data solutions that improve collaboration and mission performance across distributed assets.

Integrate, test, and validate AI and autonomy capabilities using modeling, simulation, and advanced experimentation environments.

Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to develop scalable, secure, and mission-critical software solutions.

Qualifications You Must Have

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field

Proficiency in Python and experience with at least one programming language such as C++, Rust, or Go.

Experience developing or integrating AI/ML applications, including deploying machine learning models in real-time or edge computing environments.

Knowledge of distributed systems, concurrency, or software designed to operate in communications-constrained (DDIL) environments.

Familiarity with tools and technologies such as ROS/ROS2, containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes), or agent-based autonomy frameworks

Qualifications We Prefer

Experience with reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, or AI-driven decision-making.

Familiarity with autonomy simulation tools, modeling environments, or mission-focused testing frameworks.

Knowledge of distributed systems, autonomous coordination, or human-machine teaming concepts.

Experience developing software for defense, aerospace, or other mission-critical applications, including familiarity with government or open mission system standards.

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

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!

Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs). Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.

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.

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 68,900 USD - 131,100 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.