Advanced Operations Engineering Project Specialist (Hybrid)

Date Posted: 2026-11-06 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105 Position Role Type: Hybrid 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 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. This role is part of the Collins Aerospace Advanced Operations Engineering organization. This role will lead cross functional initiatives that modernize operations through Industry 4.0, Advanced Manufacturing technologies, digital solutions, and data- driven decision making. In this role, you will partner across Collins to advance operational capability, drive productivity, and deliver measurable cost savings through process improvements and technology enabled transformation. You will be responsible for project planning and execution of scope, schedule, cost, and customer satisfaction. This role will primarily focus on our Displays end to end automation line initially, but will broaden it's scope to other automation projects later. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with experience in manufacturing environments, enthusiasm for advancing Collins’ Operations capabilities, and a demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. This role is hybrid role in Cedar Rapids, IA and will typically requiring 2–4 days per week onsite but that may fluctuate based on business needs. This role may also be eligible for relocation assistance. What You Will Do Lead cross-functional teams through operations modernization projects to ensure alignment with Operations, program and organizational objectives Drive productivity improvements that lead to quantifiable cost savings and enhanced operational performance Lead projects from initiation through completion, including customer interface, requirements alignment, schedule execution and management, risks and opportunities mitigation, and benefit realization tracking Operate in alignment with the RTX Enterprise Project Management (REPM) framework to ensure disciplined program execution, risk management, and governance Communicate effectively with Operations and executive leadership, providing clarity on project priorities, risks, and progress Use data to generate insights, guide strategic decision making, and strengthen operational awareness. Influence and lead change across a matrixed organization, building consensus and accelerating adoption of new technologies Travel up to 15%, including potential extended assignments for key business activities What You Will Learn You will manage projects and provide reliable solutions to customers, enabling them to make informed decisions in their product area You will obtain invaluable experience working with our I4.0 subject matter experts in addition to operations business process owners, customer base, and cross-functional teams You will gain technical leadership experience, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to real-world situations that will help advance your career Qualifications You Must Have Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience Experience working in a manufacturing operations environment, preferrably in a project/program management role Qualifications We Prefer Experience leading challenging projects, navigating adversity, and driving alignment in complex or ambiguous situations Communication skills with experience presenting summarized performance to executive stakeholders and leading cross functional decision forums Experience working effectively both vertically and horizontally across a large organization Proven capability to take initiative, provide direction, and drive initiatives to completion Experience working cross functionally and ability to influence and drive change across a matrixed enterprise Involvement in developing and executing change management processes that drive adoption and benefits realization Experience developing and executing executive level presentations Experience in a high mix, low volume manufacturing environment Understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies PMP certification Understanding of the Collins RTX Lifecycle Program Management (RLMP) or similar gated approval process for programs 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 Ben