Date Posted:

2026-04-22

Country:

United States of America:

Location:

US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. 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 on day 1

Associate Director, Engineering - Proprietary Platforms Systems Architect (Onsite)

At RTX, the world 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.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Systems Architect (P6) to lead and drive the development of cutting-edge solutions for classified Department of Defense (DoD) programs. This role will focus on delivering advanced training systems and autonomy technologies tailored to meet the unique challenges and requirements of our defense customers. The role will also entail leveraging / merging technologies and products across RTX to include Operational Analysis, Communication and Networking solutions and Avionics. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, a strong understanding of classified program environments, and the ability to translate customer needs into innovative, secure, and effective solutions.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as the technical lead architect for classified DoD programs, with a focus on advanced training systems, autonomy technologies and operational analysis.
• Design and develop system architectures that meet mission-critical requirements, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance with DoD standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, program management, and customer stakeholders, to define program objectives, technical requirements, and system performance metrics.
• Lead the development and integration of autonomy solutions, including AI/ML-based technologies, for mission-critical applications.
• Drive innovation in training systems by leveraging emerging technologies to improve simulation capabilities, operator proficiency, and mission readiness.
• Conduct trade studies, risk assessments, and technology evaluations to inform design decisions and ensure program success.
• Provide technical leadership in the proposal and capture process for new classified programs, including authoring white papers and supporting customer engagements.
• Ensure compliance with all security protocols and classified program requirements.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in systems architecture, with significant experience in classified DoD programs.

• Active and transferable U.S. government issued secret security clearance or higher is required prior to start date

• Deep understanding of training systems, autonomy technologies, and their applications in defense scenarios.

• Strong knowledge of DoD standards, regulations, and security protocols.

• Proficiency in systems engineering processes, including requirements analysis, design, integration, and testing.

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage complex technical challenges.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience with AI/ML technologies and their application in autonomy solutions.
• Familiarity with simulation and training system frameworks, such as LVC (Live, Virtual, Constructive) environments.
• Advanced certifications in systems architecture or related fields.

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• 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
• Eligible for relocation assistance
• And more!

Learn More & Apply Now!

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.

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.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 172,900 USD - 328,700 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.

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, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. 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.

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