Operations Program Manager - Civil Space SLS (onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-10-14 Country: United States of America Location: US-IL-ROCKFORD-P6 ~ 4747 Harrison Ave ~ 4747 HARRISON AVE-P6 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 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 Civil Space SLS Operations Program Manager (OPM) Lead plays a critical role in overseeing execution performance across the Space Launch System's Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) aligned to the SLS and Artemis General Managers (GM). This role ensures alignment of priorities, manages delivery risks, and drives operational excellence across programs. The OPM Lead consolidates visibility across programs, fosters alignment between GM IPT and operations leadership, and removes barriers to execution. Acting as the escalation point for complex issues, this role ensures consistent execution discipline across the OPM team while leading and developing team members. What You Will Do Oversee execution performance for a portfolio of LRUs, ensuring alignment with GM priorities. Consolidate program visibility to support informed decision-making at the GM IPT leadership level. Drive alignment across cross-functional teams and operations leadership to address delivery risks. Lead and mentor Operations Product Managers (OPMs) to enhance team performance and development. Act as the escalation point for resolving complex operational issues. Ensure consistent application of execution discipline across the OPM team. Support the implementation of root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives. Communicate operational risks, priorities, and recommendations effectively to both working-level teams and senior leadership. Support business travel up to 10% of the time. What You Will Learn Executive presence and presentation Strong messaging and alignment to NASA's Space Missions across disciplines and organizational levels Qualifications You Must Have Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum of 10 years prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years’ experience Experience with manufacturing, production, or shop-floor operations. Experience with supply chain, purchasing, material planning, or production control. Experience leading cross-functional groups as well as teams with direct reports. Qualifications We Prefer Experience working in aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing environments. Experience with MPS, SIOP, ERP/MRP systems, and production planning. Experience with root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement methodologies. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. Ability to communicate operational risks, priorities, and recommendations effectively to broad audiences. What We Offer Benefits   This position may offer relocation. Some of our competitive benefits packages include:   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!   Learn More & Apply Now!  Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customers succeed today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.  The next chapter of our future as an aerospace company is here, and we are excited about what this means for our employees and customers! Get onboard the Collins Aerospace Operations team and play a part in managing our innovative products from inception to delivery. The Operations team continues to grow and aims to strengthen the connection of Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) across Collins Aerospace. In this dyn