Operations Program Manager

Date Posted:

2026-09-29



Country:

United States of America



Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-121 ~ 350 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 121



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: 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.

The Operations Program Manager (OPM) for the OSS portfolio will serve as a key operational partner supporting early-stage product development, prototype hardware, and lifecycle management activities. This role is centered on influencing product design and strategy at the front end of the business—where opportunities to improve producibility, repeatability, and long-term manufacturing performance are greatest.

We are seeking a self-driven OPM with strong manufacturing knowledge and experience across Operations disciplines. The ideal candidate brings strategic operational insight to design decisions, early builds, and producibility planning to help ensure product concepts mature with a strong foundation for manufacturing success.

This role is responsible for driving strategies that support the long-term producibility and operational viability of new products. The OPM’s primary focus is delivering designs to Manufacturing that enable the lowest material, assembly, and test cost possible while supporting the cost, schedule, and scope commitments of the development (NRE) program. As the primary liaison between the Program Office and Operations, this individual will identify opportunities for improvement, align cross-functional teams, and champion operational excellence from concept through launch.

What You Will Do

• Acts as Operations focal for New Product Introduction, compliant with the RTX Lifecycle Program Management system
• Participates in Management Reviews from business capture through transition into rate production
• Establishes review and transition criteria resulting in predictable quality, schedule and cost outcomes
• Responsible for creation and communication of a Project Production Plan and driving adherence to the plan
• Responsible for financial management and variance analysis of Operations assigned financial accounts
• Develops recommendations for cost reduction and process improvement opportunities
• Facilitates and directs program scheduling activities through PP&C and the integrated management schedule
• Leads materials and logistics problem resolution when related to performance issues
• Occasional travel of approximately one trip per quarter.
• Influences decisions in a matrixed organization
• Identifies, communicates and mitigates risks to program and project plan
• Encourages resolution-based conversations and drives cross functional team to action
• Interfaces with Program Office, Engineering, and Operations Manufacturing organizations

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience

• Excellent oral and written communications skills, team building, change management and team leadership experience and able to work with minimum direct supervision
• Experience in an operations, manufacturing, program, cross-functional, or equivalent environment
• Existing or Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience taking a product from development to rate production
• Experience with objective assessment of a products Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) using USG and industry standards
• Ability to influence development of project objectives and goals
• SAP proficiency

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  
• And more!

Learn More & Apply Now!​

Operations, Supply Chain and EH&S:

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. 

Collins Aerospace, a RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

WE ARE REDEFINING AEROSPACE.

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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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