Advanced Operations Engineering Project Manager; Hybrid

Advanced Operations Engineering Leader

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.

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, typically requiring 2–4 days per week onsite, and can be based in either Cedar Rapids, IA or Melbourne, FL. There is a slight preference for candidates who are open to being onsite full time. While Cedar Rapids and Melbourne are our preferred locations, we are open to considering other Collins sites that this position regularly interacts with.

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 25%, 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 a minimum of 8 years prior relevant experience; or an advanced degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience
• Project or program management experience in a manufacturing operations environment

Qualifications We Prefer

• PMP certification
• 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
• Demonstrated ability to work 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
• Experience 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 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,  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!