Associate Director, Program Management – Soldier Communications (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and vacation

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking an Associate Director, Program Management for the Soldier Communications portfolio. You will lead strategic program management across the RLPM framework, balancing customer requirements, financial targets, and growth priorities in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

The role requires extensive experience in leading complex DoD programs, strong leadership, and the ability to collaborate across functions while maintaining security clearance

Qualifications

• 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.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams engaging with customers (e.g., U.S. Army) to deliver commitments.
• Manage contract lifecycle, cost, schedule, and performance of large/complex programs.
• Own profit and loss for internally and externally funded efforts.
• Anticipate and respond to program challenges; direct resources and drive issue resolution.
• Lead contract negotiations and proposal development ensuring alignment with objectives and compliance.
• Provide oversight for cost, schedule, technical performance, risk, sustainment, manufacturing, and quality.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

DoD program experience

Security clearance awareness

Education

University degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-07-31

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

We are seeking an Associate Director, Program Management, to join the Soldier Communications organization within Mission Systems. The Soldier Communications portfolio delivers secure, resilient tactical voice, data, and networking solutions for dismounted and mounted soldiers, supporting the U.S. Army and other major forces around the globe, through its flagship PRC-162 Manpack radio. As a cornerstone area of the business, the portfolio spans advanced tactical radios, soldier‑worn systems, platform‑integrated ancillaries and software and waveform capabilities that enable mission effectiveness at the tactical edge.

The role drives product strategy and execution across the full RTX Lifecycle Program Management (RLPM) framework, with tasks associated with long-range business planning, pursuit and capture, program performance, delivery, and sustainment. The Program Manager provides leadership across the entire product lifecycle, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, financial targets, and strategic growth priorities. Qualified candidates should bring strong program and product management experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams, manage complex portfolios, and balance technical understanding with business acumen. Success in this role requires applying strategic insight and enabling sound decision‑making in a fast‑paced, mission‑focused environment.

This is an Onsite role in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

What You Will Do:

• Lead a cross functional team that engage with customers (e.g. U.S. Army) to deliver on our commitments
• Manage the contract lifecycle, cost, schedule and performance of large and/or complex programs
• Profit and loss responsibility for both internally and externally funded efforts
• Anticipate and respond to program challenges, directing resources and driving issue resolution for escalated matters
• Lead contract negotiations and proposal development, ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance requirements
• Provide leadership oversight for cost, schedule, technical performance, risk management, sustainment, manufacturing, and quality across assigned product lines
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers to ensure successful execution
• Lead decision making for the PMTs, applying critical thinking and strong judgment with incomplete or evolving data
• Build internal and external networks and fosters clear, motivating communication within the team
• Communicate with senior executive leadership on matters of strategic importance
• Travel requirements up to 25%

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
• 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 authorized to access information under this program
• Experience leading programs and solving complex challenges
• Experience working with U.S. Department of War (DoW) customers
• Located or willing to relocate to Cedar Rapids, IA

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Active Secret Security Clearance is preferred
• Ability to quickly adapt in face of volatile requirements and market conditions
• Experience managing Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and proactive Risk and Opportunity management
• Strong project management background leading complex technical development projects
• Strength in interpersonal and presentation skills
• Experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously
• Well-developed communication skills, both oral and written

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!

Relocation Eligibility:

• Eligible for relocation

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 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. Privacy Policy and Terms:Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms

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.