Software Engineer II –AI Enabled Tactical Autonomy

Date Posted: 2026-07-13 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-108 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 108 Position Role Type: Onsite 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: Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1 At RTX, the world's 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. Join our team to develop next-generation AI-enabled autonomy software that powers intelligent, mission-critical systems at the tactical edge. As a Software Engineer II, you'll build intelligent agent behaviors, multi-agent coordination, and machine learning capabilities that enable distributed platforms to collaborate and make autonomous decisions in challenging, communications-constrained (DDIL) environments. You'll work with cutting-edge AI, autonomy, and edge computing technologies, contributing to modeling, simulation, and real-world experimentation to help shape the future of defense and autonomous systems. What You Will Do Develop AI-enabled autonomy software that supports intelligent decision-making and mission execution in distributed, multi-domain environments. Design and implement intelligent agent behaviors, machine learning models, and edge-based AI capabilities for tactical systems. Build software that enables autonomous platforms to coordinate tasks, share information, and operate effectively in Denied, Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments. Contribute to cross-platform orchestration and adaptive data solutions that improve collaboration and mission performance across distributed assets. Integrate, test, and validate AI and autonomy capabilities using modeling, simulation, and advanced experimentation environments. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to develop scalable, secure, and mission-critical software solutions. Qualifications You Must Have Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field Proficiency in Python and experience with at least one programming language such as C++, Rust, or Go. Experience developing or integrating AI/ML applications, including deploying machine learning models in real-time or edge computing environments. Knowledge of distributed systems, concurrency, or software designed to operate in communications-constrained (DDIL) environments. Familiarity with tools and technologies such as ROS/ROS2, containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes), or agent-based autonomy frameworks Qualifications We Prefer Experience with reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, or AI-driven decision-making. Familiarity with autonomy simulation tools, modeling environments, or mission-focused testing frameworks. Knowledge of distributed systems, autonomous coordination, or human-machine teaming concepts. Experience developing software for defense, aerospace, or other mission-critical applications, including familiarity with government or open mission system standards. What We Offer    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!   Learn More & Apply Now!    Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).  Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.   Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the stat