Director, Strategy – C2 and AI (Mission Strategy) (Hybrid)

Date Posted:

2026-06-15

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-179 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 179

Position Role Type:

Hybrid

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: Top Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

Collins Aerospace is seeking an experienced strategy leader to lead the Command and Control (C2) and AI foundational enabler components of the Connected Battlespace Strategy that will drive growth, innovation, and competitive advantage for Mission Systems. In this individual contributor role, you will help define long term strategic direction and identify opportunities that strengthen mission effectiveness, support evolving customer needs, and position the business for future growth. This position sits at the intersection of defense technology, operational concepts, and business strategy, requiring a strong understanding of military mission environments and emerging technology trends.

You will lead strategic initiatives that influence investment decisions, technology priorities, and capability roadmaps across the organization through expertise, influence, and cross functional partnership rather than direct people leadership. Working closely with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders, you will translate operational challenges and customer requirements into actionable strategies that guide future capability development. From evaluating market trends and identifying technology gaps to supporting executive decision making and shaping long term plans, this role offers the opportunity to directly influence how advanced mission systems and AI driven capabilities evolve to support the modern battlespace.

This is a hybrid role with the ability to be present onsite at one of our primary facilities (Cedar Rapids, IA; El Segundo, CA; McKinney, TX; or Dulles, VA).

What You Will Do:

• Lead strategic development and execution for the Command & Control (C2) pillar within the Connected Battlespace Strategy, shaping long-term technology direction and identifying growth opportunities across Mission Systems
• Develop and drive the AI foundational enabler strategy across all the Connected Battlespace pillars, with emphasis on how AI can improve operational effectiveness, accelerate decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and enable mission autonomy
• Partner with engineering, business development, programs, operations, and senior leadership teams to identify capability gaps and define investment priorities that align with customer needs and long-term business objectives
• Lead Mission Systems strategic investment planning activities, including Long Range Planning (LRP), technology prioritization, and capability roadmap development
• Conduct market, competitive, customer, and technology assessments to identify emerging trends, threats, and opportunities within C2 and AI-enabled mission systems
• Translate operational concepts, customer challenges, and future mission needs into actionable technology and business strategies
• Develop capability gap closure plans and technology roadmaps that support future mission requirements and portfolio growth
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and recommendations to senior leadership regarding investment decisions, strategic priorities, and market positioning
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, government organizations, industry partners, and technology teams, to align strategic initiatives and influence future capability development

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 14 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 12 years of experience
• Experience developing or supporting military Command & Control (C2) systems, architectures, concepts, or mission environments
• Experience developing strategy, roadmaps, or investment priorities for complex defense, aerospace, intelligence, or mission-critical technology programs
• Experience translating operational requirements or customer needs into technology strategies, capability roadmaps, or investment decisions
• Experience working cross-functionally with technical and business teams to influence strategic direction
• Experience presenting recommendations, analyses, and strategic decisions to senior leaders or executive stakeholders
• 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

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance preferred
• 10+ years of experience supporting one or more of the following areas: Command & Control (C2) systems, Battle Management systems, ISR platforms and architectures, Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Tactical Communications, Mission Planning systems, Decision Support systems, or AI enabled military applications
• Experience applying Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning capabilities to defense, mission systems, operational planning, autonomy, or decision support environments
• Experience supporting defense modernization efforts and evolving military operational concepts
• Experience working with U.S. Department of War customers, military operators, Combatant Commands, and/or government agencies
• Experience developing technology roadmaps, portfolio strategies, and/or investment business cases
• MBA or advanced technical degree preferred

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.  

• And more! 

Relocation Eligibility

• Eligible for relocation

Learn More and Apply Now!

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. 

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite.  Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader. 

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 186,200 USD - 353,800 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.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms