Associate Director, AI for Manufacturing and Operations (remote)

Date Posted:

2026-07-31



Country:

United States of America



Location:

US-NC-REMOTE



Position Role Type:

Remote



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.

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.

We are seeking an experienced AI Subject Matter Expert (SME) who can bridge advanced artificial intelligence technologies with real‑world manufacturing needs. This role is ideal for a strategic technologist who understands factory operations in depth, collaborates closely with engineering and operations teams, and translates AI concepts into practical, scalable, and safe solutions.

You will shape how AI enhances our factories—improving productivity, quality, throughput, decision‑making, and worker experience.

Must be willing and able to travel 25% of the time (domestic & international)

What You Will Do :

Partner across RTX AI 

• Partner with manufacturing engineering, operations, supply chain, Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP), quality, and digital transformation teams to identify high‑value AI use cases. 

• Translate complex AI/ML concepts into clear, actionable factory solutions for non‑technical stakeholders. 

• Evaluate current processes and determine where AI can meaningfully augment automation, analytics, maintenance, and production systems. 

Create and maintain the Collins Operations AI Roadmap 

• Architect AI-driven tools and workflows in areas such as predictive maintenance, defect detection, digital twins, scheduling optimization, and intelligent automation. 

• Guide teams through data readiness requirements, model selection, feasibility trade-offs, and integration constraints. 

• Work with product teams and external vendors to assess technologies, shape roadmaps, and ensure alignment with factory needs and enterprise standards. 

Deliver AI Solutions into Production 

• Develop and execute proof‑of‑concepts, pilot plans, and deployment strategies for new AI capabilities; measure results and iterate designs. 

• Provide technical leadership, training, and coaching to engineering teams to raise overall AI maturity. 

• Ensure solutions meet security, safety, compliance, and ethical use standards. 

What You Will Learn

• How AI can be strategically embedded into factory workflows and enterprise systems.

• Emerging AI/ML technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and industrial automation.

• Cross-functional leadership in a complex operational environment.

• How to scale AI responsibly within safety‑critical and compliance‑driven domains.

Qualifications You Must Have :

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience 

• 5+ years experience applying AI and machine learning in industrial or highly operational environments

• Ability to communicate highly technical AI concepts in simple, business‑oriented language

• 5+ years experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders at multiple levels

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Understanding of factory workflows, industrial automation, sensors, MES, quality systems, and operational constraints

• Prior experience in advanced manufacturing or aerospace/defense production

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, data science, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred

• Background in systems engineering or manufacturing engineering

• Experience deploying AI in environments with strict safety, reliability, or regulatory requirements

• Experience with predictive modeling, computer vision, anomaly detection, optimization algorithms, or intelligent robotics

• Familiarity with cloud platforms, edge devices, and MLOps best practices

• Working knowledge of digital twins, simulation systems, or industrial IoT architectures

What We Offer:

 Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   

• 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  

• And more!  

Learn More and Apply Now:

The next chapter of our future as an aerospace company is here, and we are excited about what this means for our employees and customers! Get onboard the Collins Aerospace Operations team and play a part in managing our innovative products from inception to delivery. The Operations team continues to grow and aims to strengthen the connection of Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) across Collins Aerospace. In this dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to network across our businesses and functions, all while improving the productivity, quality and efficiency of our operations worldwide.  

Remote: Employees who are working in Remote roles* will work primarily offsite (from home).  An employee may be expected to travel to the site location as needed.  

*This position is remote; however, if you live within a reasonable commute of a Collins site with other colleagues you interact with, your manager will discuss whether there is a degree of onsite presence associated with this role

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.

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