Test Operations Manager (Onsite)
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- Hurricane Mesa Test Facility (HMTF) is a unique R&D test site that validates ejection seat systems and subsystems using a supersonic rocket sled track. Testing spans sled‐track events with aircraft representative bodies and anthropometric manikins from zero airspeed/altitude up to and beyond the speed of sound, along with a broad spectrum of subsystem and energetic component tests.
- The Test Operations Manager leads the day-to‐day operations of HMTF’s engineering team—driving safety, disciplined execution, quality, and continuous improvement across all test types. This role will develop and own the site’s QC/QA framework, take on defined portions of test‐day operations (e.g., track loading and final readiness), and provide targeted QC oversight for propulsion and other high‐energy systems. The manager serves as acting site manager when delegated or during the Site Manager’s absence, ensuring continuity of operations.
What You’ll Do
You will lead day‐to‐day tasking for a team consisting of camera, instrumentation, and electrical engineers; assign resources, remove roadblocks, and ensure test readiness.
You will enforce test plans, procedures, and safety protocols; champion a “check‐the‐checklists” culture before, during, and after events.
You will define and run the site’s quality framework—SOPs, checklists, peer verification, calibration, configuration control, readiness reviews, lessons learned, and continuous improvement loops—tailored to each test type.
You will provide quality oversight for handling and integration of propulsion and energetic systems in partnership with responsible engineers.
You will oversee track loading and final readiness steps; act as deputy/alternate during TRRs and test days as directed.
You will align engineering tasks, materials, and staffing to program schedules; external communication as delegated.
You will coach, cross‐train, and reinforce safety and quality behaviors across the engineering team.
You will Identify and implement process and data‐integrity improvements that increase repeatability and reduce risk.
You will do field‐based work on an expansive test range with desert conditions and variable weather; hands‐on activities around heavy equipment and energetic systems.
You will perform physically demanding tasks associated with track loading, equipment movement, and outdoor test support.
Qualifications You Must Have
Experience in a test environment with energetic/propulsive systems; strong analytical skills in physics/dynamics;
Experience with coordinating technical projects and guide multi‐disciplinary engineering teams;
Effective with presenting technical information to internal stakeholders (and externally when delegated);
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.
Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
Qualifications We Prefer
Background in aircraft crew systems, escape systems, ejection seats, and crew‐station testing
Hands‐on experience with rocket sled operations, propulsion/energetics handling, and subsystem qualification
Familiarity with high‐speed cameras, video capture, and instrumentation/data systems
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
This role may be eligible for relocation
And more!
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.
#MISENG
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.
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.
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About RTX
RTX is a global aerospace and defense company that develops advanced technologies and systems for commercial, military, and government customers through its three business units: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon.
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