Program Operations Manager (onsite)

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-28 Country: United States of America Location: US-CA-EL SEGUNDO-E01 ~ 2000 E El Segundo Blvd ~ BLDG E01 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. Be a leader in Multi-domain Assured Navigation & Timing Applications (MANTA) Operations. This role will serve as manufacturing and program operations lead for three programs. This role is responsible for driving Manufacturing Strategy, Planning and Execution for these programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Manufacturing Operations in the defense industry and must have experience with New Product Introduction and Transition to Production of complex programs. The candidate must have strong working knowledge of proposal development systems and will be responsible for presenting comprehensive strategies on Manufacturing Plans and how the efforts are proposed to customers. The Candidate will support classified & unclassified programs within a technically diverse portfolio of complex products. Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. Position will work onsite at our El Segundo, California location. What You Will Do • Support Operations for Manufacturing for a key and growing production sub-portfolio. Support to include: • Lead capacity & capability assessments and CORE engagements at key manufacturing partner suppliers. • Lead Manufacturing Readiness Assessments and Production Readiness Reviews • Develop production plans and conduct Production Performance Milestone reviews, per RLPM requirements. • Lead development teams through Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and coordinating actions/mitigation plans in accordance with AS9145 (APQP) • Partner and collaborate with Program Office, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain throughout the product life cycle • Engage in daily tier meetings and monthly SIOP reviews to drive quality, cost, schedule, and inventory targets consistent with the overall business plan • Manage Operations cost and schedule performance for full-rate production and new development deliveries at internal and external manufacturers • Engage with Engineering and Supply Chain on requirements flow down for Operations and Supply Chain partners • Engage with MANTA goal alignment – take on strategic initiatives that drive production improvements into the programs, as well as programs across the MAGS and MANTA portfolio • For future product variants, influence product designs to achieve cost and schedule targets through active support to Design to Cost (DTC), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Design for Test (DFT) by optimizing cost drivers such as electronics producibility, test automation, test & manufacturing yield. • Provide active support to Supply Chain Management by identifying materials constraints and logistics problem resolution to ensure availability of materials and smooth operations • Direct and coordinate sequencing of work in partnership with Manufacturing, such as build and delivery, to ensure smooth operations and optimal use of resources • Partner with internal customers to understand customer needs and issues and ensure customer satisfaction • Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% of the time 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 • U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract • Must have or be capable of obtaining a US Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance. Candidate selected will be subject to a government security investigation/reinstatement and must meet eligibility requirements • 3+ years prior experience working in operations or engineering in a manufacturing environment • Experience with project management Qualifications We Prefer • Experience leading Manufacturing Readiness Assessments and Production Readiness Reviews • Experience leading New Product Introduction (NPI) and Transition to Production (T2P) in Defense or commercial products • Experience with RTX’s Customer Oriented Results and Excellence (CORE) operating system • Working knowledge of Pro Pricer or equivalent tools, learning curves, application of rates and costs in government contracting. • Experience supporting fact-finding and negotiations with DCMA and Government customers • Experience and mastery of Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA), PFMEA, PPAP and APQP • Proven Experience in Earned Value Management & Ce