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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal AI/ML Software Engineer - Autonomy (Onsite) - **Company:** Collins Aerospace - **Location:** Cedar Rapids, IA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $107,500.0 - $204,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Distributed Systems, Data Intelligence, Python (Programming Language), Tensorflow, Software Requirements Analysis, Data Streaming, Systems Integration, Reinforcement Learning, Cloud Platform System, Pytorch, Multi-Agent Systems, Information Technology, Machine Learning Operations - **Published:** July 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=8ed4e92708effc2d ## About the Role 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, * Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience. * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, or related field * 5+ years of experience in AI/ML, autonomy, distributed systems, or advanced C2 architectures * Strong background in probabilistic reasoning, reinforcement learning, or multi-agent systems * Experience building resilient distributed computing or edge-deployed systems * Proficiency in Python and at least one systems language such as C++, Rust, or Go * Experience developing and deploying ML models using frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow * Familiarity with autonomy or distributed-system frameworks such as ROS/ROS2, messaging/streaming platforms, or agent-based environments * Experience deploying AI technologies into operational or near-operational environments * Experience with autonomy evaluation, simulation-based testing, or mission analytics * U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract * U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret) on Day 1 of employment. Qualifications We Prefer: * Experience implementing explainable AI, safety-constrained autonomy, or reasoning guardrails * Background in human-machine teaming, operator-centric autonomy, or cognitive-aware interfaces * Experience developing AI or autonomy systems for contested, DDIL, or bandwidth-limited environments * Familiarity with Neurosymbolic AI, hybrid reasoning architectures, or distributed Bayesian inference * Experience with multi-agent coordination, distributed optimization, or Value-of-Information-driven algorithms * Integration experience with edge-to-cloud distributed autonomy architectures * Experience supporting advanced research programs, IRAD strategy, or technology transition planning * Demonstrated ability to guide technical approach, architectural direction, or cross-team autonomy strategy ## Description We are seeking a forward-leaning AI/ML Software Engineer to advance next-generation Command and Control and Autonomy capabilities for the Connected Battlespace. In this role, you will design and implement distributed reasoning, multi-agent coordination, and mission-adaptive autonomy technologies that operate across cooperative, competitive, and adversarial environments. You will architect intelligent, resilient, edge-deployed AI systems that support both near-term mission insertion and future-state capability development. This position sits within Defense Technology's Applied Research and Technology organization, partnering across Collins to define and deliver breakthrough autonomy, explainable AI, and decentralized C2 solutions. Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Cedar Rapids, IA location. What You Will Do: * Develop multi-agent coordination algorithms and distributed C2 autonomy behaviors * Apply reinforcement learning to resource allocation, tasking, and cooperative/adversarial scenarios * Design intent-driven autonomy functions that translate commander intent into executable behaviors * Implement multimodal human-machine interaction capabilities and operator-centric mission tools * Engineer probabilistic reasoning, adaptive learning, and intelligent data-management components for DDIL environments * Build and integrate distributed AI agents into simulation, laboratory, and operationally representative test environments * Develop scalable autonomy and AI architectures spanning edge nodes, federated systems, and cloud environments * Implement and maintain MLOps pipelines for continuous model refinement, evaluation, and deployment * Ensure interoperability with open standards, cyber-secure interfaces, and multi-domain system requirements * Transition advanced autonomy concepts into operational prototypes and mission systems ## Related Videos - [Agentic employees in world's most downloaded FinTech app](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100123-agentic-employees-in-world-s-most-downloaded-fintech-app) - [Python-Based Data Streaming Pipelines Within Minutes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1233-python-based-data-streaming-pipelines-within-minutes) - [Machine learning in the browser with TensorFlowjs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/155-machine-learning-in-the-browser-with-tensorflowjs) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. 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