Operations Program Manager (Onsite)

RTX (Raytheon); Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement program

Student loan repayment program

Life insurance

Job summary

RTX / Collins Aerospace is seeking an experienced Operations Program Manager (OPM) to partner with early-stage product development, prototype hardware, and lifecycle management. The role focuses on manufacturability, producibility, and cost reduction from concept to launch, acting as the primary liaison between the Program Office and Operations.

The ideal candidate will bring strong manufacturing knowledge, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to influence design decisions for long-term

Qualifications

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, team building, change management and team leadership experience and able to work with minimum direct supervision.
• Experience in an operations, manufacturing, program, cross-functional, or equivalent environment.
• Existing or Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required
• Experience taking a product from development to rate production
• Experience with Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments per USG/industry standards
• Ability to influence development of project objectives and goals
• SAP proficiency

Responsibilities

• Acts as Operations focal for New Product Introduction, compliant with the RTX Lifecycle Program Management system
• Participates in Management Reviews from business capture through transition into rate production
• Establishes review and transition criteria resulting in predictable quality, schedule and cost outcomes
• Responsible for creation and communication of a Project Production Plan and driving adherence to the plan
• Responsible for financial management and variance analysis of Operations assigned financial accounts
• Develops recommendations for cost reduction and process improvement opportunities
• Facilitates and directs program scheduling activities through PP&C and the integrated management schedule
• Leads materials and logistics problem resolution when related to performance issues
• Occasional travel of approximately one trip per quarter
• Influences decisions in a matrixed organization
• Identifies, communicates and mitigates risks to program and project plan
• Encourages resolution-based conversations and drives cross functional team to action
• Interfaces with Program Office, Engineering, and Operations Manufacturing organizations

Skills

Operations leadership

Manufacturing knowledge

Communication skills

Change management

Team leadership

Education

University degree

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

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

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

The Operations Program Manager (OPM) for the OSS portfolio will serve as a key operational partner supporting early-stage product development, prototype hardware, and lifecycle management activities. This role is centered on influencing product design and strategy at the front end of the business-where opportunities to improve producibility, repeatability, and long-term manufacturing performance are greatest.

We are seeking a self-driven OPM with strong manufacturing knowledge and experience across Operations disciplines. The ideal candidate brings strategic operational insight to design decisions, early builds, and producibility planning to help ensure product concepts mature with a strong foundation for manufacturing success.

This role is responsible for driving strategies that support the long-term producibility and operational viability of new products. The OPM's primary focus is delivering designs to Manufacturing that enable the lowest material, assembly, and test cost possible while supporting the cost, schedule, and scope commitments of the development (NRE) program. As the primary liaison between the Program Office and Operations, this individual will identify opportunities for improvement, align cross-functional teams, and champion operational excellence from concept through launch.

What You Will Do

• Acts as Operations focal for New Product Introduction, compliant with the RTX Lifecycle Program Management system
• Participates in Management Reviews from business capture through transition into rate production
• Establishes review and transition criteria resulting in predictable quality, schedule and cost outcomes
• Responsible for creation and communication of a Project Production Plan and driving adherence to the plan
• Responsible for financial management and variance analysis of Operations assigned financial accounts
• Develops recommendations for cost reduction and process improvement opportunities
• Facilitates and directs program scheduling activities through PP&C and the integrated management schedule
• Leads materials and logistics problem resolution when related to performance issues
• Occasional travel of approximately one trip per quarter.
• Influences decisions in a matrixed organization
• Identifies, communicates and mitigates risks to program and project plan
• Encourages resolution-based conversations and drives cross functional team to action
• Interfaces with Program Office, Engineering, and Operations Manufacturing organizations

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, team building, change management and team leadership experience and able to work with minimum direct supervision
• Experience in an operations, manufacturing, program, cross-functional, or equivalent environment
• Existing or Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience taking a product from development to rate production
• Experience with objective assessment of a products Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) using USG and industry standards
• Ability to influence development of project objectives and goals
• SAP proficiency

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 cov