Operations Program Manager (Onsite)

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 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! ​ Operations, Supply Chain and EH&S: 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. T