AI/ML Architect - Associate Director (Hybrid)

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 157,000 - 299,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

3 weeks vacation

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Parental leave

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking an experienced AI/ML Architect to lead strategy, design, and governance for enterprise AI initiatives. You will define reference architectures, collaborate with security, data, and business units, and mentor teams across disciplines in a hybrid setup at a major facility.

Role requires 12+ years in AI/ML architecture, strong data and API expertise, and a track record delivering scalable solutions. Knowledge of TOGAF/Zachman/DoDAF and SAFe/Jira is valuable in this role.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree.
• U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required for access to information under this program/contract.
• 8+ years of experience in Data and AL/ML architecture, deployments, integration, or consulting.
• In-depth knowledge of AI/ML frameworks, data architecture, distributed systems and APIs; MLOps.
• Proven track record as a Solution Architect or Technical Lead delivering business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Define Collins AI/ML architecture aligned with business goals and digital strategy.
• Architect end-to-end AI/ML solutions, including data ingestion and deployment.
• Partner with AI teams to operationalize models and ensure production performance.
• Define data pipelines, feature stores, and API integrations.
• Establish AI governance, risk & ethics, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to teams.
• Collaborate with leaders to identify AI opportunities and translate requirements.

Skills

AI/ML architecture

Data architecture

Distributed systems

MLOps

Solution Architect

Stakeholder engagement

Technical leadership

Communication

Education

University degree

Advanced degree

Tools

SparxEA

Cameo

LeanIX

Jira

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Country: United States of America

Location: US-NC-CHARLOTTE-2730 ~ 2730 W Tyvola Rd ~ TYVOLA

Position Role Type: Hybrid

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status: Not Required

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.

What YOU will do:

This is a hybrid-based position at one of Collins’ major facilities.

Strategy & Architecture

• Define Collins AI/ML architecture aligned with Business goals and digital strategy
• Establish reference architectures, design patterns and standards for AI/ML solutions. Lead the adoption of modern AI capabilities (e.g. Generative AI, Deep Learning, NLP, RAG).
• Collaborate with Domain Architects in Security, Infrastructure, Data & Business unit, to refine and evolve the Solution architectures, processes, practices, leveraging architectural frameworks (e.g. TOGAF, Zachman, DODAF, etc.).

Solution Design & Delivery

• Architect end-to-end AI/ML solutions (data ingestion, feature engineering, model development, deployment, monitoring) for business use cases.
• Partner with AI teams, Data Scientists and Engineers to operationalize models.
• Ensure scalability, reliability, and performance of AI systems in production.

Data & Platform Architecture

• Define architecture for data pipelines and feature stores to support ML workloads.
• Ensure integration with enterprise data ecosystems and APIs.

Governance, Risk & Ethics.

• Establish AI governance frameworks (model validation, explain ability, bias detection).
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote responsible and ethical AI practices.

Technology Leadership

• Stay current with emerging trends (LLMs, Vector databases, etc.)
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to teams.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with business leaders to identify AI opportunities.
• Translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Communicate architecture decisions to executive and technical stakeholders.

Qualifications YOU Must Have:

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree,
• U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.
• 8+ years of broad-based experience in Data and AL/ML architecture, deployments, integration, or consulting, with extensive experience in implementing AI/ML Solutions for large complex organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of AI/ML frameworks. Expertise in data architecture, distributed systems and APIs. Experience with CI/CD for ML, Model monitoring, and versioning (MLOps).
• Proven track record as a Solution Architect or Technical Lead, crafting new solutions and delivering business outcomes.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience with Generative AI/ Large language Models (LLMs). Knowledge of vector databases, embeddings and prompt engineering.
• Familiarity with data and AI/ML concepts and technologies.
• Strong understanding of AI ethics, governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Relevant experience in Aerospace & Defense industry preferred. Familiarity with the unique needs of manufacturing and aerospace, including compliance, quality management, and traceability.
• Experience with working on enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman, DoDAF) & tools (SparxEA, Cameo, LeanIX). Certification in any of the framework’s a plus.
• Experience with Agile methodology such as Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and tools such as Jira.
• Exceptional interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills, with an ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to balance innovation with pragmatic delivery. Lead and influence without authority.
• Demonstrated experience in guiding cross-functional teams and fostering alignment on architecture strategies across stakeholders.

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 illnessinsurance, 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!

Please consider the following role type definitions as you apply for this role.

Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.

Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world – and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

WE ARE REDEFINING AEROSPACE.

The salary range for this role is 157,200 USD - 298,800 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.