Associate Director, Program Management - MFP Programs (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 299,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) plan with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Program

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee Assistance Plan

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking an Associate Director, Program Management to lead the Multi-Function Processing (MFP) programs within the Open Solutions Systems portfolio. You will guide multidisciplinary teams through design, development, integration, testing, and demonstration of complex defense technologies, with accountability for performance and customer commitments.

You will oversee lifecycle management, align Engineering, Operations, and Suppliers, and lead contract execution and

Qualifications

• Experience with earned value management systems (EVMS) and their use in program execution.
• Experience handling government contract programs, RFIs, proposals, negotiations, and awards.
• Strong program leadership across engineering, operations, supply chain, contracts, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of complex MFP programs end-to-end.
• Provide direction to cross-functional teams to ensure program success.
• Own program performance, including cost, schedule, and technical execution.
• Develop and manage program plans, milestones, and budgets.

Skills

Earned value management

Government contract execution

Program leadership

Customer interface

Education

University degree

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Location

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

Date Posted

2026-10-07

Country

United States of America

Location

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

Position Role Type

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. 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 on day 1

Collins Aerospace is seeking an Associate Director, Program Management to lead the execution and growth of our Multi-Function Processing (MFP) programs within the Open Solutions Systems portfolio. These programs focus on developing advanced processing solutions that deliver essential capabilities to the warfighter. In this leadership position, you will guide multidisciplinary teams through the design, development, integration, testing, and demonstration of complex defense technologies, with direct accountability for program performance, financial results, and customer commitments. You will also help shape the future of the portfolio by leading strategic planning, competitive pursuits, and proposal efforts that expand our business.

As a key program and business leader, you will oversee the full program lifecycle, aligning Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and critical suppliers to solve technical challenges, manage risk, and successfully transition products into manufacturing. You will serve as a primary customer interface, lead contract execution and negotiations, and make decisions that balance technical performance, cost, and schedule. This position combines hands-on program leadership with strategic business responsibility, offering meaningful influence over advanced defense capabilities, customer relationships, and the continued growth of the MFP portfolio.

This is an onsite role in Cedar Rapids, IA.

What You Will Do:

• Lead the execution of complex Multi-Function Processing (MFP) programs across the full program lifecycle, from development and integration through testing, delivery, and transition to production
• Provide leadership and direction to cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and key subcontractors, to ensure successful program execution
• Own overall program performance, including cost, schedule, technical execution, financial results, and fulfillment of contractual commitments
• Develop and execute program plans, establish performance metrics and milestones, and manage schedules, budgets, and critical path activities to meet customer and business objectives
• Drive financial performance by managing program budgets, establishing cost targets, optimizing resource utilization, and delivering against profitability and annual operating plan (AOP) commitments
• Lead strategic planning, business development pursuits, competitive proposals, and bidding activities to secure new business and expand the MFP portfolio
• Serve as the primary customer interface, building strong relationships, communicating program performance, managing expectations, and identifying opportunities for continued business
• Proactively identify and resolve technical, financial, contractual, and operational challenges, driving corrective actions and resource decisions to maintain program performance
• Lead contract execution and change management activities, including negotiating requirements, managing scope changes, and maintaining alignment with customer commitments
• Oversee supplier and subcontractor performance in partnership with Subcontracts Management, ensuring effective integration and coordination throughout program execution
• Lead customer and executive program reviews, presenting performance metrics, financial results, program risks, and progress against key milestones
• Partner across the business to identify product synergies, leverage existing capabilities, and ensure successful transitions from development into manufacturing

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience
• Prior experience and understanding of earned value management system and how it is used in program execution
• Experience with program execution of government contracts with the ability to guide a team through the RFI, competitive proposals, negotiations, and contract award
• Active and transferable Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Knowledge of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles and their application to defense systems, architectures, and technologies
• Experience with the design, development, integration, testing, or qualification of mission processors, mission computing systems, or similar advanced technologies
• Experience within the aerospace and defense industry, particularly in mission computing, processing systems, or related technology markets
• Ability to identify and apply industry best practices, market insights, and lessons learned to improve program execution, product development, and business performance
• Familiarity with Collins Aerospace Mission Systems business operations, technical development processes, and program performance management practices

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!

Relocation Eligibility

• Eligible for relocation

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.

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 157,200 USD - 298,800 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