R&D Manufacturing Manager

Collins Aerospace is at the forefront of aerospace and defense technology, focusing on advanced electric motors, controllers, and high‑performance aerospace systems. The R&D Manufacturing Manager will lead a team of Manufacturing Engineers and Technicians, driving new technologies from demonstrator stage through industrialisation and into production.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and support Manufacturing Engineers and Technicians, managing resource planning, skills development, performance reviews and personal development plans.
• Serve as the primary manufacturing point of contact for internal and external customers, ensuring deliverables are understood, planned, communicated and achieved.
• Maintain compliance with Collins Aerospace corporate and local processes, representing Manufacturing during internal and third‑party audits to support AS9100 compliance.
• Ensure traceability of components, calibrated tools, compliant chemicals and accurate digital build documentation.
• Support the creation, maintenance and closure of work orders through SAP, ensuring visibility and control of manufacturing activity.
• Plan, monitor and communicate manufacturing capacity and capability across projects, providing clear views of current and future requirements.
• Develop and maintain meaningful KPIs for the Operations area, using data and insight to support decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to support make‑versus‑buy decisions and ensure manufacturing requirements are considered early.
• Partner with Engineering to support the successful transition of products from design into manufacture and test, ensuring parts and products are built in line with design data.
• Identify improvement opportunities and lead a culture of continuous improvement across the manufacturing team.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Manufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing engineering, operations or technical leadership role.
• Strong people‑management skills, capable of developing and supporting a technical team.
• Experience managing processes, projects and deliverables within a technical or manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality and customers.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Preferred: university degree with significant relevant experience in a technical, engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Preferred: AS9100 experience, SAP experience, experience with electric motors, controllers, electronics or ESD‑controlled environments.
• Preferred: management experience within aerospace or another high‑precision engineering environment.
• Preferred: experience supporting product industrialisation, NPI or transition from design into manufacturing.
• Strong interest in new technologies, innovation and improved ways of working.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Flexible, hybrid and family‑friendly working arrangements.
• State‑of‑the‑art facilities and laboratories.
• Life insurance.
• Corporate pension plan with a 2:1 matched contribution up to 10%.
• Private health insurance.
• 25 days annual leave plus the ability to buy/sell up to 5 days.
• Career development opportunities.
• Half‑day working Fridays.

Working Arrangement

Regular on‑site working is required, with a minimum of four days per week on site due to the hands‑on nature of manufacturing, build, test and team leadership activities.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.