Project Chief, Cyber & Assurance R&D

Date Posted:

2026-11-05

 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.

Collins Applied Research & Technology seeks a Project Chief Engineer to manage a diverse portfolio of emerging technologies in cyber security, tactical operations, and high assurance systems. In this role, you will support a team of cross-functional engineers to develop innovative cyber and assurance solutions for the future connected battlespace. You will be responsible for ensuring the successful planning, execution, and delivery of engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle, while meeting customer and business requirements.

What You Will Do

• •Collaborate with a team of cross-functional engineers to ensure alignment with program requirements and successful delivery of project outcomes
• •Work in partnership with the Program Management Team (PMT) to define project scope, align with contractual commitments, and ensure technical requirements are met
• •Ensure the execution of engineering work packages in accordance with the project contract and delivery schedule
• •Coordinate with Program Managers, Engineering Managers, and Principal Investigators (PIs) to manage resource allocation and ensure adequate support for engineering activities
• •Manage program risks and opportunities in collaboration with PIs, technical leads, and design authorities
• •Monitor and manage functional and program baselines, including customer-driven changes
• •Support the PMT in identifying cost and schedule impacts for out-of-scope requests
• •Perform typical project management tasks, including project planning, resource allocation, risk management, financial tracking, and reporting
• •Review and approve project and technical documentation to ensure compliance with company and customer requirements
• •Provide technical input for business development, bid and pursuit efforts, and project planning activities
• •Communicate and collaborate effectively with internal teams, customers, subcontractors, and suppliers to address risks and resolve technical challenges

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
• •Active and transferable U.S. government issued Top Secret security clearance is required prior to start date
• •U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• •Experience managing projects and engineering teams, including resource planning and task allocation
• •Experience in project management and systems engineering for the design and development of systems/products involving both hardware and software components, as well as system integration

Qualifications We Prefer

• •Experience working with technologists in an R&D environment
• •Experience with US DoD 6.2 and 6.3 research organizations (DARPA, AFRL, ONR, NRL, ARL)
• •Experience in project management and systems engineering for cyber security capability development
• •Formal training in project management
• •Experience as a systems engineer throughout the entire systems development lifecycle, including requirements capture, design, integration, verification/validation, and transition to production
• •Experience with bid and pursuit work in a U.S. government acquisition model

What We Offer

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• •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
• •Eligible for relocation
• •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 status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.

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

Onsite : Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

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.

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.

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 132,400 USD - 251,600 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 m