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
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