Advanced Operations Engineering Project Specialist (Hybrid)

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Program

401(k) plan with employer matching

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, is seeking a proactive engineering leader for its Advanced Operations Engineering team in Cedar Rapids, IA. This hybrid role will drive operations modernization through Industry 4.0 technologies, advanced manufacturing, digital solutions, and data‑driven decision making, initially focusing on the Displays line before expanding to other projects.

You will lead cross‑functional programs from initiation to completion, align requirements, manage scope, schedule and

Qualifications

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
• Experience working in a manufacturing operations environment, preferrably in a project/program management role

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams through operations modernization projects
• Drive productivity improvements that lead to quantifiable cost savings and enhanced operational performance
• Lead projects from initiation through completion, including customer interface, requirements alignment, schedule execution and management, risks and opportunities mitigation, and benefit realization tracking
• Operate in alignment with the RTX Enterprise Project Management (REPM) framework to ensure disciplined program execution, risk management, and governance
• Communicate effectively with Operations and executive leadership, providing clarity on project priorities, risks, and progress
• Use data to generate insights, guide strategic decision making, and strengthen operational awareness
• Influence and lead change across a matrixed organization, building consensus and accelerating adoption of new technologies
• Travel up to 15%, including potential extended assignments for key business activities

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Industry 4.0 understanding

Change management

Education

University degree

Advanced degree (related field)

Tools

PMP certification

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-06 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105 Position Role Type: Hybrid U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. 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.

This role is part of the Collins Aerospace Advanced Operations Engineering organization. This role will lead cross functional initiatives that modernize operations through Industry 4.0, Advanced Manufacturing technologies, digital solutions, and data- driven decision making. In this role, you will partner across Collins to advance operational capability, drive productivity, and deliver measurable cost savings through process improvements and technology enabled transformation. You will be responsible for project planning and execution of scope, schedule, cost, and customer satisfaction. This role will primarily focus on our Displays end to end automation line initially, but will broaden it's scope to other automation projects later. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with experience in manufacturing environments, enthusiasm for advancing Collins’ Operations capabilities, and a demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. This role is hybrid role in Cedar Rapids, IA and will typically requiring 2–4 days per week onsite but that may fluctuate based on business needs. This role may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

What You Will Do

• Lead cross-functional teams through operations modernization projects to ensure alignment with Operations, program and organizational objectives
• Drive productivity improvements that lead to quantifiable cost savings and enhanced operational performance
• Lead projects from initiation through completion, including customer interface, requirements alignment, schedule execution and management, risks and opportunities mitigation, and benefit realization tracking
• Operate in alignment with the RTX Enterprise Project Management (REPM) framework to ensure disciplined program execution, risk management, and governance
• Communicate effectively with Operations and executive leadership, providing clarity on project priorities, risks, and progress
• Use data to generate insights, guide strategic decision making, and strengthen operational awareness.
• Influence and lead change across a matrixed organization, building consensus and accelerating adoption of new technologies
• Travel up to 15%, including potential extended assignments for key business activities

What You Will Learn

• You will manage projects and provide reliable solutions to customers, enabling them to make informed decisions in your product area
• You will obtain invaluable experience working with our I4.0 subject matter experts in addition to operations business process owners, customer base, and cross-functional teams
• You will gain technical leadership experience, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to real-world situations that will help advance your career

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
• Experience working in a manufacturing operations environment, preferrably in a project/program management role

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience leading challenging projects, navigating adversity, and driving alignment in complex or ambiguous situations
• Communication skills with experience presenting summarized performance to executive stakeholders and leading cross functional decision forums
• Experience working effectively both vertically and horizontally across a large organization
• Proven capability to take initiative, provide direction, and drive initiatives to completion
• Experience working cross functionally and ability to influence and drive change across a matrixed enterprise
• Involvement in developing and executing change management processes that drive adoption and benefits realization
• Experience developing and executing executive level presentations
• Experience in a high mix, low volume manufacturing environment
• Understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies
• PMP certification
• Understanding of the Collins RTX Lifecycle Program Management (RLMP) or similar gated approval process for programs

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 illnessinsurance, 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!

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

Hybrid Role Details

Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.

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.

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.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

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.