Operations Program Manager Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Date Posted:

2026-08-24

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

Collins Aerospace is seeking an experienced Operations Program Manager to guide the execution of highly engineered Civil Space hardware at our Rockford, IL facility. Supporting products and systems used in environments ranging from deep space and low Earth orbit to undersea applications, you will lead the matrixed manufacturing effort required to procure, assemble, test, and deliver hardware to customers. This position serves as a central point of ownership for program operations, balancing cost, schedule, manpower, production priorities, and customer commitments to keep complex development and production work moving forward.

You will bring together manufacturing, supply chain, program, and other cross-functional teams to translate requirements into executable plans, resolve issues, improve cost and operational performance, and drive on-time delivery. With regular exposure to customers and senior leaders, you will communicate program status, contribute operations content to customer proposals, and help shape both near-term execution and longer-term operating plans. For someone who enjoys leading across functions and turning complex manufacturing requirements into tangible hardware delivered to demanding customers, this role provides meaningful ownership from planning through shipment.

This is an onsite role in Rockford, IL.

What You Will Do:

• Lead a matrixed team responsible for procuring, assembling, testing, and delivering complex space hardware
• Oversee program operations activities and drive execution against program commitments
• Develop and execute strategic and tactical operating plans to support program objectives
• Lead production and resource scheduling to support efficient operations and effective use of facilities
• Partner directly with customers to understand requirements, address issues, and maintain a high standard of service
• Present program status, operational performance, risks, and priorities to customers and executive leadership
• Manage operations performance across cost, schedule, and manpower requirements
• Lead the development of operations content for customer proposals
• Identify and recommend cost-reduction, process-improvement, and operational-efficiency opportunities
• Strengthen customer satisfaction through regular engagement, issue resolution, and effective program execution
• Partner with Supply Chain to address constraints and drive on-time material and hardware delivery

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
• Experience in a manufacturing, production, or operations environment
• Experience leading or managing manufacturing or program execution activities involving areas such as production planning, cost, schedule, resources, or delivery

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Background applying Lean manufacturing principles or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Direct customer-facing experience within a manufacturing, program, or operations environment
• Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably SAP, along with production planning or project/program management processes
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional or matrixed teams supporting manufacturing or program execution
• A track record of identifying and implementing cost-reduction or process-improvement initiatives

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! 

Relocation Eligibility

• Eligible for relocation

Learn More & Apply Now!​

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 customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today. 

*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 possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.  

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.  

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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms