Program Quality Lead (Onsite)

RTX•Rome, NY

22h•$107,500 - $204,500•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Senior Program Quality Engineer serves as the primary quality leader for designated customer accounts and high-visibility programs. This role provides technical direction, drives customer-focused quality strategies, and leads cross-functional initiatives to ensure compliance, performance, and continuous improvement. While not responsible for direct people management, the Senior Program Quality Engineer mentors peers, guides program teams, and influences decision-making across engineering, operations, and program management.

Requirements

Typically requires a University Degree and a minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience
Strong understanding of root cause analysis, corrective action tools, and quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100 or similar).
Proven experience in customer-facing quality roles within aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated industries.

Nice To Haves

Strong ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with both internal stakeholders and customers.
Demonstrated success driving systemic improvements and resolving complex issues.
Experience with data analysis, capability studies, and using metrics to drive decisions.
Familiarity with PPAP, AS9102, APQP, or customer-specific requirements is preferred.
Exceptional technical judgment and a proactive, customer-first mindset.
Strong leadership presence without formal management responsibility.
Analytical, structured problem-solver with a bias toward action.
Comfortable handling ambiguity and balancing multiple high-priority programs.
High accountability and ownership of quality performance.

Responsibilities

Act as the lead quality representative for assigned customers, owning the relationship, communication cadence, issue resolution, and overall quality performance.
Interpret and flow down complex customer-specific requirements, ensuring they are fully integrated into program documentation, production processes, and supplier expectations.
Lead major investigations, systemic root cause analyses, and corrective/preventive actions; coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure timely, high-quality responses to customers.
Partner with Program Management to represent quality in program reviews, risk assessments, and strategic planning activities.
Monitor and analyze key quality and reliability metrics across assigned programs; proactively identify risk areas, systemic trends, and opportunities for improvement.
Serve as a subject-matter expert for quality tools, methods, and standards; provide coaching and guidance to program quality engineers and other team members as needed.
Support and lead major customer audits, readiness reviews, and on-site visits; coordinate internal stakeholders and drive closure of audit findings.