Defense R&D Senior Manager — Lead Multidisciplinary Team

RTX; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks vacation

Generous 401(k) with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Program

Life insurance and disability coverage

Parental leave benefits

Wellness and family support programs

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, seeks a Senior Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation mechanical and electrical solutions for defense applications in Cedar Rapids, IA. You will guide engineering teams, manage projects, and drive rapid prototyping to transition ideas from lab to mission.

Responsibilities include technical leadership, proposing development strategies, and partnering with program managers and customers.

Qualifications

• Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.
• U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance eligibility.
• 3+ years of direct or matrixed technical leadership experience.
• Strong background in mechanical and/or electrical design, prototyping, or advanced technology development.
• Experience supporting defense or aerospace development programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, and cross-disciplinary research engineers, providing technical direction and career growth guidance.
• Drive execution of research and technology development projects with quality, schedule, and strategic alignment.
• Oversee ideation, design, analysis, prototyping, and evaluation of mechanical and electrical systems for defense applications.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Manage resource planning, staffing, prioritization, and capability development for R&D needs.
• Partner with program managers and researchers to transition outputs into production programs and proposals.
• Support proposal development, project shaping, and engagement with customers for internal and external R&D opportunities.
• Champion Collins Aerospace values and maintain a safe, inclusive, high-performing team environment.
• Travel up to 15% per business needs.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mechanical design

Electrical design

R&D leadership

Defense/aerospace experience

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, seeks a Senior Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation mechanical and electrical solutions for defense applications in Cedar Rapids, IA. You will guide engineering teams, manage projects, and drive rapid prototyping to transition ideas from lab to mission.

Responsibilities include technical leadership, proposing development strategies, and partnering with program managers and customers.