Lead Project Manager - Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Onsite)
RTX
About the role
Job Details
Date Posted: 2026-03-03
Country: United States of America
Location: US‑IA‑CEDAR RAPIDS‑105 400 Collins Rd NE BLDG 105
Position Role Type: Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of “U.S. Person” go here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62
Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required
Security Clearance Status: Not Required
About the Role
This high‑visibility opportunity is for an engineer with experience in advanced automation systems for product manufacturing. In this position, you will help set technical strategies and architectural standards for product‑line automation. You will lead the deployment of automated systems that will be used to improve manufacturing processes and enable digital connectivity throughout manufacturing operations.
Day‑to‑day activities include identifying, defining, and scoping automation projects for manufacturing operations, project planning, managing project finances, leading and mentoring team members, developing solutions in a lab environment, physically deploying the project into production, and promoting the project’s adoption within production.
The ideal candidate will have a deep background in automation, controls, and SCADA/MES, with a proven track record in project execution. Experience with manufacturing system design and implementation, as well as strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, are foundational for success.
Responsibilities (What You Will Do)
- Apply automation engineering knowledge and coordinate with other organizations to improve manufacturing operations.
- Own all phases of project execution from concept development through deployment and adoption.
- Provide technical guidance on development of complex automation architectures.
- Conduct comprehensive safety risk assessments and implement layered safety controls.
- Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple automation projects.
- Lead cross‑functional teams to ensure effective deployment to live production.
- Prioritize tasks to ensure that the team’s overall resources are used effectively and that deadlines are met.
- Maintain current knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies and develop related project proposals.
- Provide expert‑level guidance for hands‑on programming of automated control systems and robots as projects require.
- Mentor engineers within the team or within operations on how to develop and maintain automated manufacturing systems.
- Effectively communicate with operations, management, and technical leadership on proposals and active projects.
Qualifications You Must Have
- Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience or, in absence of a degree, 14 years of relevant experience.
- 5+ years of project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in industrial robotics; trained in at least one major robot brand.
Preferred Qualifications (We Prefer)
- Experience with PLCs, SCADA, MES, and IIOT.
- Experience with electronics manufacturing processes.
- Background in low‑volume, high‑mix aerospace manufacturing.
- Ability to work across the organization vertically and horizontally.
- Possesses business acumen and the ability to manage project budgets.
- Strong verbal and communication skills.
Benefits
Some of our competitive benefits package includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
- Generous 401(k) plan with 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!
This position may be eligible for relocation.
Compensation
- Salary range: $132,400 – $251,600 USD (good‑faith estimate representative of all experience levels).
- Additional annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs may be available depending on level and collective‑bargaining status.
Additional Information
- Onsite: Employees in onsite roles work primarily onsite, including all production and maintenance staff. Collaboration and innovation are critical; all employees have access to digital tools and Collins sites for in‑person meetings when required.
- Application Window: RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the posting date, though this may be adjusted based on candidate flow and business needs.
- Equal Opportunity Employer: RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. The Avionics segment delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for government, commercial, and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries—from aircraft and airports to air traffic management.
Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application today.
Learn More & Apply Now!
Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms.
Requirements
- 5+ years of project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in industrial robotics; trained in at least one major robot brand.
Responsibilities
- Apply automation engineering knowledge and coordinate with other organizations to improve manufacturing operations.
- Own all phases of project execution from concept development through deployment and adoption.
- Provide technical guidance on development of complex automation architectures.
- Conduct comprehensive safety risk assessments and implement layered safety controls.
- Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple automation projects.
- Lead cross functional teams to ensure effective deployment to live production.
- Prioritize tasks to ensure that the team’s overall resources are used effectively and that deadlines are met.
- Maintain current knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies and develops related project proposals.
- Provide expert level guidance for hands-on programming of automated control systems and robots as projects require.
- Mentor engineers within the team or within operations on how to develop and maintain automated manufacturing systems.
- Effectively communicates with operations, management, and technical leadership on proposals and active projects.
Benefits
Skills
Don't send a generic resume
Paste this job description into Mimi and get a resume tailored to exactly what the hiring team is looking for.
Get started free