Associate Director, Materials & Process Engineering

Collins Aerospace; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 329,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

401(k) plan with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance and disability coverage

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, a RTX business, is seeking an Associate Director of Materials & Process Engineering to lead advanced structures materials engineering and testing, focusing on non-metallic and composite systems. This role provides technical oversight across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain, ensuring robust material data and supplier qualifications.

The ideal leader will guide strategic and operational plans, resolve cross-functional challenges, and drive innovations that

Qualifications

• 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.
• Previous leadership responsibilities in materials and/or manufacturing engineering environments in aerospace or similarly regulated manufacturing industries.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams supporting production, operations, or design engineering.
• Previous experience solving manufacturing technical problems, leading investigations, and implementing systemic improvements.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute long‑term strategic direction for the group.
• Develop and implement short‑and mid‑term operational plans that directly support production, new program introductions, and process optimization.
• Lead the recommendation and implementation of improved processes, policies, standards, and operating plans to optimize material performance, manufacturability, operational efficiency, and supplier capability.
• Provide strong support to Manufacturing Engineering by ensuring technical decisions enhance manufacturability, yield, cost, and robustness, while partnering with Design Engineering and Operations to develop and optimize tooling, processes, specifications, and production methods.
• Support and troubleshoot manufacturing process issues through deep materials and process expertise, coordinating with operations and supply chain to sustain stable production performance.
• Lead materials analysis, research, design, and development for metallic, non‑metallic, and composite systems, including fabrication and application processes, and oversee failure analysis and life predictions.
• Improve workflow processes or systems using industry best practices and competitive landscape.
• Leverage manufacturing data and supplier insights to recommend technologies, tools, and equipment that strengthen production capability.
• Manage and grow a team of engineers, including managers, by developing talent and building a high‑performing organization.
• Provide leadership that influences executive leadership and cross‑functional teams; communicate strategic topics, technical risks, and operational impacts effectively.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on materials and manufacturing strategies.

Skills

Leadership experience

Materials engineering

Manufacturing engineering

Aerospace industry

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

STEM degree

Job description

Collins Aerospace, a RTX business, is seeking an Associate Director of Materials & Process Engineering to lead advanced structures materials engineering and testing, focusing on non-metallic and composite systems. This role provides technical oversight across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain, ensuring robust material data and supplier qualifications.

The ideal leader will guide strategic and operational plans, resolve cross-functional challenges, and drive innovations that