Manufacturing Program Specialist (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-07-13 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166 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. We are seeking a Principal Manufacturing Program Specialist to join our New Product Introduction team in Cedar Rapids, IA. This position is the focal point for the execution of daily activities to deliver high quality, highly engineered development hardware on-time to Engineering / customers. The selected candidate will be responsible for the timely performance of various manufacturing tasks ranging from Program schedule adherence through the shipment of deliverables in support of various Programs. Applicants must exhibit a high degree of initiative and sound judgment, working independently and as a liaison of an Integrated Product Team. It is essential the individual be capable of adapting to changing conditions and work cooperatively in a team environment. This role will sit Onsite at our Collins Aerospace location in Cedar Rapids, IA. What You Will Do Support site Operations Program Manager (OPM) lead to address broad issues spanning across functions / domains & work autonomously with limited oversight Lead operational program management activities for small ‑ scale projects and initiatives, ensuring coordination across functions, execution to plan, and alignment with program objectives. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) team to roll out policies, practices, procedures Assist OPM with Manufacturing Readiness Assessments, producibility tenants, and collaborating across functions program plans Execute builds for development programs including accountability for schedule and financial performance, including tracking & reporting on critical customer deliveries using Line of Balances and Project Plans Communicate material availability, resource planning, task completion, configuration management, change orders and quality performance schedules Expedite the movement of parts by means of move orders, stock transfers and requests for shipping orders  Monitor progress and track project performance using metrics. Collaborate with Production Control Support, Procurement Support, and Master Scheduling to ensure that material master data is accurate and minimizes inventory balances Coordinate to maximize operating efficiency with quality assurance, manufacturing, purchasing, engineering, inventory control, traffic, and other groups   Collaborate with Program and Engineering in reviewing drawings for production readiness Utilize RTX CORE and lean principles to recommend solutions to mitigate delays, difficulties, or changes to cost estimates to improve performance   Qualifications You Must Have Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience Experience with SAP or other MRP system in manufacturing environments focused on material availably and work in progress prioritization Experience with direct or cross functional leadership of team or projects supporting positive results for an organization Manufacturing & operations experience Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint Must possess an active Secret security clearance or have the ability to obtain and maintain one Qualifications We Prefer Experience in knowledge of production operations with New Product Introduction (NPI)-related projects Project management with focus on lifecycle management 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 innovati