Operations Program Manager

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.
Civil Space SLS Operations Program Manager (OPM) Lead

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

The position may offer relocation.
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!
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 dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to network across our businesses and functions, all while improving the productivity, quality and efficiency of our operations worldwide.

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibilities. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again. #LI-JC4
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote. The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window. RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.

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