Principal AI/ML Software Engineer - Autonomy (Onsite)

Raytheon Technologies
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-108 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 1082026-03-17Full time

About the job

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. 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.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

Minimum

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 TensorFlow

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 the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret) on Day 1 of employment.

Preferred

Experience implementing explainable AI, safety-constrained autonomy, or reasoning guardrails

Background in human-machine teaming, operator-centric autonomy, or cognitive-aware interfaces

Experience developing AI or autonomy systems for contested, DDIL, or bandwidth-limited environments

Familiarity with Neurosymbolic AI, hybrid reasoning architectures, or distributed Bayesian inference

Experience with multi-agent coordination, distributed optimization, or Value-of-Information-driven algorithms

Integration experience with edge-to-cloud distributed autonomy architectures

Experience supporting advanced research programs, IRAD strategy, or technology transition planning

Demonstrated ability to guide technical approach, architectural direction, or cross-team autonomy strategy