Lean Manufacturing CoOp SpringSummer 2027

RTX; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

RTX Rockford Plant is seeking a driven student or early-career professional to support continuous improvement initiatives on site in Rockford, IL. You will help plan, coordinate, and execute CI projects, driving changes to cut costs, boost efficiency, and improve product quality.

Learn hands-on techniques in value stream mapping, standard work, PFMEA, and root-cause analysis while collaborating with cross-functional teams and advancing Lean manufacturing practices.

Qualifications

• Actively pursuing a Bachelor's or advanced degree in Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related STEM major through the completion of the co‑op session.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Responsibilities

• Support the Rockford, IL plant in planning, coordinating, and executing continuous improvement (CI) initiatives and engagements.
• Recommend and implement process and procedural changes to improve cost, efficiency, and quality.
• Analyze key process indicators to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Develop and manage quality programs to assist in reengineering processes and ensuring product quality.
• Facilitate and support CI tools and events, including time observations, process and value stream mapping, standard work development, process certification, PFMEA, root cause problem solving, and event execution.

Skills

CI

Process Improvement

Project Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Change Management

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Engineering/ STEM degree

Tools

3D printing

Job description

Date Posted:

2026-09-17

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IL-ROCKFORD-P1 2421 11th St 2421 11TH ST-P1

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

Are you ready to explore the world of aerospace and defense? Do you want to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the industry? At RTX, our internships, co-ops and full-time careers provide an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems, advance your skills and create a safer, more connected world. Discover opportunities to make a difference at RTX.

What You Will Do:

• Support the Rockford, IL plant in planning, coordinating, and executing continuous improvement (CI) initiatives and engagements.
• Recommend and implement process and procedural changes to improve cost, efficiency, and quality.
• Analyze key process indicators to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Develop and manage quality programs to assist in reengineering processes and ensuring product quality.
• Facilitate and support CI tools and events, including time observations, process and value stream mapping, standard work development, process certification, PFMEA, root cause problem solving, and event execution.

What You Will Learn:

• Process Improvement Techniques : Hands‑on experience with CI methodologies, including value stream mapping, process mapping, and root cause problem‑solving to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Project Management : Build skills in planning, coordinating, and executing CI initiatives, managing pre- and post-event activities for successful outcomes.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration : Work with teams across the organization and gain insights into interdepartmental operations and contributions.
• Change Management : Learn strategies to facilitate process changes and ensure smooth implementation while helping teams adapt to new practices.
• Lean Manufacturing Practices : Gain practical knowledge in lean principles such as standard work, PFMEA, and other methodologies to streamline operations and minimize waste.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Actively pursuing a Bachelor's or advanced degree in Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related STEM major through the completion of the co‑op session.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience with 3D printing.
• Demonstrated experience leading in a team setting.
• Prior RTX internship, co‑op, or work experience.

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.

Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee's personal responsibility.

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 37,000 USD - 82,000 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.