Operations Program Manager (Onsite)

Operations Program Manager

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:

• 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