AI/ML Architect - Associate Director (Hybrid)

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. This is a hybrid-based position at one of Collins’ major facilities.

About the role

Collins Aerospace is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking AI/ML architect to be part of our Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions organization. This role is responsible for translating business requirements into AI architecture blueprints, success metrics, and roadmaps. You will partner with AI leaders and implementors across Collins and RTX to strategically align on capability delivery and lead the end-to-end architecture of AI and Machine Learning (ML) solutions across the Collins landscape. This role bridges business strategy, data science, and engineering to design scalable, secure, and production-ready AI/ML solutions that drive measurable business value.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Architecture
  • Define Collins AI/ML architecture aligned with business goals and digital strategy.
  • Establish reference architectures, design patterns, and standards for AI/ML solutions.
  • Lead the adoption of modern AI capabilities (e.g., Generative AI, Deep Learning, NLP, RAG).
  • Collaborate with Domain Architects in Security, Infrastructure, Data & Business units to refine and evolve solution architectures, processes, and practices, leveraging architectural frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman, DODAF).
• Solution Design & Delivery
  • Architect end-to-end AI/ML solutions (data ingestion, feature engineering, model development, deployment, monitoring) for business use cases.
  • Partner with AI teams, Data Scientists, and Engineers to operationalize models.
  • Ensure scalability, reliability, and performance of AI systems in production.
• Data & Platform Architecture
  • Define architecture for data pipelines and feature stores to support ML workloads.
  • Ensure integration with enterprise data ecosystems and APIs.
• Governance, Risk & Ethics
  • Establish AI governance frameworks (model validation, explainability, bias detection).
  • Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
  • Promote responsible and ethical AI practices.
• Technology Leadership
  • Stay current with emerging trends (LLMs, Vector databases, etc.).
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with business leaders to identify AI opportunities.
  • Translate business requirements into technical solutions.
  • Communicate architecture decisions to executive and technical stakeholders.

Requirements

You Must Have:

• University Degree and minimum 12 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree.
• 8+ years of broad-based experience in Data and AI/ML architecture, deployments, integration, or consulting, with extensive experience in implementing AI/ML solutions for large complex organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of AI/ML frameworks.
• Expertise in data architecture, distributed systems, and APIs.
• Experience with CI/CD for ML, model monitoring, and versioning (MLOps).
• Proven track record as a Solution Architect or Technical Lead, crafting new solutions and delivering business outcomes.

Qualifications

We Prefer:

• Experience with Generative AI/Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Knowledge of vector databases, embeddings, and prompt engineering.
• Familiarity with data and AI/ML concepts and technologies.
• Strong understanding of AI ethics, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Relevant experience in the Aerospace & Defense industry.
• Familiarity with the unique needs of manufacturing and aerospace, including compliance, quality management, and traceability.
• Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman, DoDAF) and tools (SparxEA, Cameo, LeanIX).
• Certification in any of the frameworks (a plus).
• Experience with Agile methodology such as Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and tools such as Jira.
• Exceptional interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills, with an ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to balance innovation with pragmatic delivery.
• Lead and influence without authority.
• Demonstrated experience in guiding cross-functional teams and fostering alignment on architecture strategies across stakeholders.

Benefits

• 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.

Pay

The salary range for this role is 157,200 USD - 298,800 USD.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role. Employees will work regularly both onsite and offsite. The ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.