Senior Principal Cyber Researcher - AI Security/GPU

RTX (Raytheon); Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks vacation for new hires

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

RTX / Collins Aerospace is seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer to lead AI security efforts across cyber-physical systems and GPUs. The role requires strong RL/ML background and experience with embedded platforms.

Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, the position is onsite with travel up to 10%. U.S. citizenship and security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM with 7–10+ years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with 7+ years of experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Experience with embedded systems or industrial control systems.
• Experience in reinforcement learning or machine learning research.
• Willingness to travel 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and strategic management of R&D projects in cyber-physical security focused on AI and GPU use.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams to develop and evaluate AI security engineering approaches.
• Deliver advanced technology demonstrations and early customer engagement.
• Prepare technical proposals and execute government-sponsored research.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders to align with Collins business and customer needs.

Skills

AI security

Reinforcement learning

Machine learning

Leadership

Education

STEM degree (B.S./B.E./B.S.E.)

Advanced degree (M.S./Ph.D.)

Tools

Embedded systems

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-17

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166

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: Top 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 Collins Aerospace's Applied Research & Technology team and help shape the future of cybersecurity at the intersection of AI, GPUs, and connected cyber-physical systems.

We're looking for an experienced Cybersecurity Engineer with expertise in AI security, GPU design, and emerging security technologies to lead complex research and development efforts. You'll serve as a key technical contributor, working across multidisciplinary teams to develop and transition innovative security solutions for mission- and safety-critical platforms.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in AI security, GPU or embedded systems, vulnerability analysis, and emerging cybersecurity research, along with the ability to lead technical teams, support new pursuits, and collaborate with customers and business partners to turn research into real-world capabilities.

What You Will Do

• Lead the technical and strategic management of novel research and development projects in the cyber physical security focused on AI Security and GPU use
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to develop, integrate, and evaluate new AI security engineering approaches and technologies
• Lead advanced technology demonstrations delivering early customer engagement, innovation, and business impact
• Lead technical proposal preparation and the execution of government-sponsored science and technology research
• Cultivate strong partnerships with technology stakeholders across Collins business and customers to ensure collaboration and strategic alignment
• Must be willing and able to travel 10% of the time

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance
• 1+ years experience working with embedded systems or industrial control systems or operational technology
• Prior experience in reinforcement learning, intelligence agent and/or machine learning
• Experience supporting or leading research activities

Qualifications We Prefer

• Ability to communicate and present to all levels of the organization
• Aerospace or defense experience
• Active DoD security clearance

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions - whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you'll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

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