Program Chief Engineer – Air Combat Test and Training (ONSITE)

RTX • Cedar Rapids, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Air Combat Test & Training (ACTT) team delivers advanced, secure systems that enable U.S. and allied aircrews to train with high‑fidelity, combat-representative environments. We are looking for a Program Chief Engineer to join our team. Our engineering organization develops cryptographic, datalink, networking, and command-and-control capabilities that support threat and weapon simulations, allowing warfighters to rehearse complex tactics safely and cost‑effectively. We design, accredit, produce, and field secure Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) systems from concept through installation. We are seeking a decisive, collaborative technical leader who operates with clarity, drives results, anticipates change, and builds high-performing teams while demonstrating integrity and accountability. The successful candidate will lead projects to meet cost, schedule, and technical performance commitments while partnering closely with engineering, program management, manufacturing, and customers. They will provide technical leadership, oversee design and development execution, and lead customer-facing activities including proposals, bids, and technical presentations.

Requirements

• Experience leading development activities for projects of moderate scope, including systems requirements and test procedure development
• Experience managing technical projects including schedule and earned value management, risk management, customer interaction, and briefing executive leadership
• Strong communicator, able to interface with the spectrum of individual contributor to execute leadership
• Subject Matter Expert in at least one technical area
• Ability to travel up to 20% annually
• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience
• Active and transferable SECRET clearance is required prior to start date
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading large proposals, greater than $25M NRE
• Experience with air combat or military training concepts of operation
• Experience with U.S. export regulations including ITAR and EAR
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
• Strong communication behaviors with team members, internal stakeholders, and external customers

Responsibilities

• Ensure overall Engineering execution within the program, having decision authority over Engineering activities during all program phases including pursuit, bidding, planning, execution, and transition to production
• Manage overall budget and schedule for program Engineering tasks, working closely with the engineering discipline organizations to review program execution on a periodic basis to ensure meeting schedule and cost
• Develop executable Estimates at Completion (EAC) for the program in collaboration with the responsible Engineering Cost Account Managers and project engineers
• Provide oversight and review all program metrics for engineering, ensuring application of Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) across the program as a means for measuring technical progress and assessing risk
• Oversee and manage engineering Risks and Opportunities across the program, leveraging the enterprise to mitigate key risks and capture opportunities
• Ensure compliance with Program and Product requirements as reflected in design plans
• Lead a wide range of entry-level to highly experienced engineers
• Demonstrate technical expertise in processing platforms and the associated technologies
• Maintain awareness of key technologies and the company’s competitive position

Benefits

• 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
• Relocation assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level