Associate Director, Engineering Leader - JADCExperimentation and Demonstration Team

Associate Director, Engineering Leader - JADC2 Experimentation and Demonstration Team

Location: HIA
32:
Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA  USA

Date Posted:

Country: United States of America

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizenship and Security Clearance: U.S. citizenship required. Active, transferable DoD Secret clearance required prior to start.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Engineering and Information Technology

Industries: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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 advanced solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. We are seeking an experienced and innovative Associate Director to lead the JADC2 Experimentation and Demonstration team, focusing on integration and demonstration of advanced capabilities that enable multi‑domain operations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, leadership experience, and a passion for advancing JADC2 capabilities.

• Lead the JADC2 Experimentation and Demonstration team in the design, development, and integration of advanced capabilities and technologies.
• Oversee the planning and execution of system demonstrations, experiments, and prototypes to showcase JADC2 capabilities to customers and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—program management, software engineering, hardware engineering, and business development—to ensure alignment with customer requirements and program objectives.
• Coordinate staffing needs, identify and allocate resources to support successful demonstration programs and experiments.
• Develop and implement systems engineering processes and best practices to ensure technical excellence and program success.
• Serve as the primary interface with internal stakeholders and leaders, providing updates on demonstration progress.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in JADC2 systems and processes to maintain a competitive edge.
• Apply expertise in airworthiness certification and cyber approvals to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements for system demonstrations.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 12 years relevant experience, or an advanced degree and a minimum of 10 years experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems engineering with a focus on defense or aerospace systems.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and leading complex technical projects.
• Strong understanding of JADC2 concepts, technologies, and operational requirements.
• Experience with system integration, testing, and demonstration in a multi‑domain environment.
• Experience with airworthiness certification processes and cyber approvals for mission‑critical systems.
• Active, transferable DoD Secret security clearance required prior to start.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with customers, stakeholders, and team members.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and requirements.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance or eligibility to upgrade.
• Familiarity with current DoD capabilities in command and control, communications, and datalinks.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous systems.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching 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: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal,  protection.
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
• Access to Ovia…