Associate Director, Cyber Operations R&D (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-01-09

Country:

United States of America

Location:

HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE , Cedar Rapids, IA, 52498-0505 USA

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:

DoD Clearance: Top Secret

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. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. 

Collins Applied Research & Technology seeks an Associate Director of Cyber Operations to lead a multi-disciplinary department of software, systems, cyber, and firmware engineers working together to deliver next-generation cyber operation capabilities to the connected battlespace.  As a technology leader, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading a portfolio of engineering activities focused on the security of military platforms, including radio communications, autonomous platforms, and air vehicles.  This is a fast-paced position focused on delivering rapid, new, and disruptive capabilities to our defense customers.  The candidate will be challenged with developing novel security technology applicable and transitioning it to real-world practice. 

The person in this role should be self-motivated, serving as a key contributor to strategic planning, business development, and engagement across our customer stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess prior experience in defense platforms, cyber security, and computer network operations.  The candidate should be comfortable to collaborate with business partners, defense customers, and government to solve hard problems and deliver new innovations in security cyber physical systems. 

What You Will Do:

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team of engineers responsible for development and rapid maturation of next-generation cyber capabilities

• Engage with defense partners to rapidly transition new technology innovations to operational practice, incorporating early customer feedback and ensuring alignment

• Recruit, retain, and professionally develop engineering talent across the team

• Provide strategic input on technology roadmaps, investments in innovation, and product improvements across Collins cyber portfolio

• Collaborate across the Applied Research & Technology organization, RTX businesses, and other business partners to identify new opportunities and innovations

• Promote engagement with defense customers for the capture of new research and development contracts

• Oversee the execution of complex customer funded programs, facilitating the transition from advanced research to practical operationalization at tactically relevant timescales

• Cultivate a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Oversee departmental resource allocation, including budget management, staffing projections, and laboratory capital expenditures.

• Travel up to 20%

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 U.S. government issued Top Secret security clearance is required prior to start date 

• Experience leading teams conducting engineering and rapid prototype development

• Recognized expertise in cyber security, software design, and/or systems engineering

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience leading technologists in an R&D environment

• Experience with US DoD 6.2 and 6.3 research organizations (DARPA, AFRL, ONR, NRL, ARL)

• Experience with competitive intelligence and competitive intelligence methods in the cyber operations domain

• Experience leading pursuit & capture activities for government S&T programs.

• Experience with battle management systems, tactical communications, and/or military platforms

• Experience in developing, integrating, and certify