Discipline Lead, Artificial Intelligence

RTX Corporate; East Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 157,000 - 299,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

compensation

healthcare

wellness

retirement and work/life benefits

career development and recognition

parental leave

flexible work schedules

achievement awards

educational assistance

child/adult backup care

Job summary

RTX Corporate in East Hartford, CT is seeking a Discipline Leader for Artificial Intelligence to provide technical leadership in autonomous systems, advanced analytics, and AI engineering. You will shape strategy, mentor staff, manage labs and budgets, and partner with RTX business units on innovative AI solutions.

The role emphasizes staffing plans, external partnerships, and delivering high-impact research initiatives with government and industry collaborators. Hybrid work is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher with extensive AI-related research experience.
• Advanced degree with 10+ years in applied research preferred.

Responsibilities

• Owns, develops, and executes on long-term strategy and operational direction for the discipline.
• Ensure best in class technical assets and discipline health to perform world class research programs.
• Think strategically about next-generation technologies.
• Responsible for creating workforce and staffing plans.
• Support engagement with RTX business units and develop technical solutions.
• Support external Customer Research & Development (CRAD) awards with government agencies.
• Manage project financials and mentor others in doing so.
• Communicate with and influence executive leadership.

Skills

AI experience

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Education

University degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-11-02

Country: United States of America

Location: US-CT-EAST HARTFORD-RTRC A ~ 411 Silver Ln ~ RTRC A

Position Role Type: Hybrid

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of "U.S. Person" go here. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62

Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status: Not Required

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. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Position Overview

The Intelligent & Cyber Physical Systems (ICPS) department at RTRC invites qualified individuals to apply for the position of Discipline Leader, Artificial Intelligence (AI). Responsibilities of this role include:

• Technical Leadership: Provide technical leadership in the core technology areas of autonomous collaborative systems, advanced learning & analytics, and AI systems engineering
• Capability Development: Develop and implement a strategic vision for the capabilities under their responsibility including staff, facilities, and external partnerships. Work closely with program offices and technical teams across the organization to develop innovative solutions in support of RTX business units' needs, as well as grow RTRC's engagements with its external customers.
• Staff Development: Hire, mentor, and motivate world class technical talent; conduct employee performance reviews and individual development/career planning
• Operations: Responsible for environmental health and safety in offices and labs, planning and executing indirect budgets, meeting financial targets.

Job Responsibilities

• Owns, develops, and executes on long-term strategy and operational direction for the discipline
• Ensure best in class technical assets and discipline health to perform world class research programs
• Think strategically about next-generation technologies
• Responsible for creating workforce and staffing plans
• Support engagement with RTX business units and develop technical solutions
• Support external Customer Research & Development (CRAD) awards with government agencies to augment research portfolio
• Manage/monitor/maintain labs, lab equipment, software tools
• Provide opportunities for junior staff to own increasingly larger pieces of a research portfolio – this leader is successful when our BU customers ask for staff members by name
• Manage project financials and mentor others in doing so
• Communicate with and influence executive leadership

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires: A University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years experience in an applied research environment, or equivalent education and experience
• Minimum of 6 years related experience in artificial intelligence, including one or more fields spanning autonomous collaborative systems, advanced learning & analytics, and AI systems engineering

Qualifications We Prefer

• Demonstrated people management experience, including the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and deliver to challenging technical objectives through creative problem solving and innovative thinking
• Experience in the application of analytical skills to the development of new technology
• Demonstrated ability to build strong customer relationships
• Excellent analytical and technical leadership skills
• Exceptional project management and communication skills
• Record of technical contributions including patents and publications
• Willingness to put scientific rigor and team work ahead of self-interests, shares credit appropriately, ability to grow continuously by admitting to and learning from mistakes
• Ability to fully grasp the needs of the customer, help them to bet
• er understand and articulate their need, and support other team members in developing this skillset

What We Offer:

• compensation
• healthcare
• wellness
• retirement and work/life benefits
• career development and recognition programs
• parental (including paternal) leave
• flexible work schedules
• achievement awards
• educational assistance
• child/adult backup care

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

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.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

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.