Associate Director, Engineering – Software Department Manager – Proprietary Platforms (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-03-26

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:

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Associate Director, Engineering – Software Department Manager – Proprietary Platforms (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.

Role overview:

The Strategic Defense Solutions Proprietary Platforms Software Engineering Department at Collins Aerospace is committed to designing, developing, and delivering secure, high-performance software solutions that drive the success of our proprietary aerospace and defense platforms. Through technical excellence, collaboration, and adherence to rigorous quality and security standards, we enable the seamless operation, scalability, and reliability of proprietary systems. Our mission is to address the changing needs of our customers and stakeholders while remaining aligned with the strategic objectives of Collins Aerospace and RTX.

Collins Aerospace is looking for an Associate Director to manage a department of software developers dedicated to delivering mature mission platform solutions.  Platform technology encompasses comprehensive mission training as well as collaborative mission autonomy.  The software solutions range in complexity from desktop applications to high fidelity integrated mission platforms. This position reports to the Director of Software Engineering for Strategic Defense Solutions (SDS) and is located onsite at one of three locations (Sterling, VA, Binghamton ,NY or El Segundo, CA).  Occasional domestic and possible international travel may be required.  This position requires ability to obtain and hold a US Security Clearance

What You Will Do:

• Lead a department of multiple Sr. Engineering managers and technical leaders comprising a department of 100+ software engineers, fostering teamwork, collaboration and continuous improvements.
• Oversee the full software development lifecycle from bids and proposals to requirements, design, development, integration, testing and validation through coaching and driving performance excellence.
• Establish consistent processes and metrics for software development through collaboration with other software departments and discipline leads.
• Actively engage with software managers and portfolio leaders in the department to manage a comprehensive staffing plan ensuring firm and anticipated demand and supply is accurate including growth in Puerto Rico where appropriate.
• Act as a servant leader through mentorship, knowledge transfer, coaching and enabling team success.
• Build and maintain relationships with portfolio leaders, internal and external stakeholders including executive leaders, program managers and operations managers.
• Influence executive decisions on engineering strategic plans through technology innovation and development on the teams.
• This role serves in a matrix engineering organization for all components of software engineering for all Proprietary Platforms programs and pursuits within SDS Engineering and Technology exceeding $200M in yearly revenue.
• Develop and grow talent of the team through collaborative discussions with engineering managers and growth opportunities for engineers.
• Build culture of teamwork through inspiring others, empowering teams, fostering communication and developing a work environment where each team member is empowered to achieve business and personal goals.

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
• Active and transferable Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain Top Secret after start.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience leading large software engineering teams through full software development lifecycles.
• Proven experience eliciting customer needs, working with requirements and systems engineering deriving, allocating, and tracing system and subsystem requirements for software applications.
• Advanced proficiency of software concepts and tools used in developing and maintaining metrics, reporting software maturity and performance.
• Understanding and experience with software development lifecycle methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, and Spiral.
• Software development background in C/C++/C#, Visual Studio, Python, JAVA, Angular, or Matlab Simulink.
• Strong technical, organizational, and leadership skills.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface with senior leadership.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and corrective and preventative actions.
• Technical risk & opportunity management, interface definition and control.
• Working knowledge of Project Management, Control Account Management (CAM), and earned value.
• Demonstrated competence in peer review processes, configuration, and change management.
• Experience in ALM tools such as Jira, Confluence, Jama, Bamboo, and Crucible. 
• Experience with Gitlab, Docker, Kubernetes.
• Advanced experience working in an Agile development environment, being part of a highly integrated team working closely with SW, Integration and Verification teams including DevSecOps.
• Experience with parametric bid estimation tools such as SEER.
• Experience using AI third-party applications in software systems.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to make data driven decisions.
• Versatility and adaptability in dynamic environment with competing priorities.

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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