Team Lead, Airspace Operations Research

Prattwhitney; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins Aerospace Applied Research & Technology seeks candidates to lead airspace operations research with emphasis on ATM/UTM, and AI-based approaches. The role focuses on project execution, technology creation and transition to product teams, and mentoring technical staff.

The position involves collaboration across international teams and external partners to advance future ATM technologies within SESAR and related programs.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with strong experience in ATM or related domains.
• Experience with SESAR or similar research initiatives.
• Ability to lead international research projects and collaborate with academia and industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead an ATM/UTM technology research team on trajectory-based and airspace operations.
• Coordinate R&D projects, engage with SESAR customers and stakeholders, and present results.

Skills

ATM concepts

UTM concepts

AI techniques

Modelling & simulation

Leadership

Education

PhD

Master’s degree

Tools

SESAR framework

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-12 Country: Ireland Location: IE-CO-CORK-001 ~ Penrose Wharf ~ PENROSE Position Role Type: Onsite 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. Collins Aerospace Applied Research & Technology seeks candidates with demonstrated technical expertise in ATM, UTM, and systems engineering to lead the Airspace Operations research group within our Advanced CNS Sandbox. As a technology leader, the successful candidate will be responsible for project execution, technology creation and transition to product teams, and professional development of technical staff. This is a research focused role with a high level of external engagement aimed at shaping the future of airspace operations from concept definition through to demonstration.

What you will be doing :

Lead a team of ATM & UTM technologists addressing emerging concepts such as Trajectory-based Operations (TBO), high-altitude and very low-altitude airspace operations, across the ATM, HAPS, UTM, and space-based domains. The application of AI-based technologies to these domains will be a key component of this role. Lead focused R&D projects in the context of the European SESAR research framework for future ATM technologies, including acting as overall project coordinator alongside consortium partners, being the key point of contact for the SESAR customer and internal Collins stakeholders, and overall project representative at industry dissemination events. Shape and execute R&D activities within an international research community, including technology development within collaborative multi-national research programs. Provide competitive advantage for Collins Aerospace business units as part of a multidisciplinary and international team of experts through contributions towards technical strategy and business development.

About you :

Typically a PhD with relevant academic or industrial experience, or a Master’s degree with strong relevant experience. Demonstrated expertise in ATM or related operational concepts and technology domains, ideally through contributions to the SESAR research framework or similar initiatives. Familiarity with the application of modelling & simulation to quantifying operational benefits, and the application of AI or advanced optimization techniques within the ATM domain is desirable. Motivated self-starter with a strong enthusiasm to learn and passion for speed and agility. Well-organized with excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills for effective collaboration across a global team, willing to champion and challenge new technical ideas and adapt to new challenges beyond original field of expertise. Demonstrated ability to partner with universities, government agencies, national labs, and professional organizations to meet organizational objectives within time and budget constraints.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.