ERBS - TE Prototyping and Test & Inspection Section Leader (Onsite)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ERBS - TE Prototyping and Test & Inspection Section Leader (Onsite)

Company: RTX

Location: Tucson, AZ, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Management / Engineering Leadership

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a section focused on fabricating, testing, and inspecting electrical and mechanical assemblies for test equipment development and integration.

• Manage a team of technicians, ensuring optimal staffing, work assignments, and career development opportunities.

• Drive process improvement initiatives within shop operations and oversee compliance with industry standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operations teams to achieve Hardware Engineering goals and deliver agile services.

• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support for troubleshooting fabrication, test, and inspection challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges engineering and operations within the Hardware Engineering department, specifically within the Engineering Rapid Build Services (ERBS) group. The focus is on leading a team that supports the development and integration of test equipment through hands-on fabrication, testing, and inspection, requiring a strong blend of technical understanding and leadership skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development:

  • Coordinate program staffing needs, ensuring direct reports are assigned suitable work and have growth opportunities.
  • Provide guidance, direction, and mentorship to the Test & Inspection Section technicians.
  • Oversee training programs to enhance direct reports' skillsets and maintain high levels of technical proficiency.
  • Participate actively in performance development processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, and merit allocation.
  • Manage manpower requirements, including interviewing, hiring, and on-boarding new team members.

• Operations & Process Management:

  • Document and manage the processes, roles, and responsibilities of the section, aligning with broader organizational processes.
  • Provide oversight for shop operations, identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
  • Ensure compliance with lab policies and address any related issues.
  • Identify and implement alternate tooling solutions in response to obsolescence or availability constraints.

• Technical Oversight & Collaboration:

  • Provide technical guidance for troubleshooting fabrication, test, and inspection related issues for electrical and mechanical assemblies (e.g., cables, chassis, CCAs, test racks).
  • Collaborate with the Department Leader and other ERBS Section Leaders to execute Hardware Engineering goals.
  • Support functional initiatives within the department, center, and directorate as required.
  • Foster teamwork and interdependent execution of tasks within the section.

• Program Support:

  • Ensure timely and effective execution of tasks supporting Test Equipment development and integration.

  • Communicate Directorate and Business updates effectively down to the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original description lists "What You Will Do," these points have been structured into more defined operational and leadership responsibilities. The emphasis on "agile services" and "quick-turn procurement and manufacturing" within ERBS suggests a fast-paced, high-mix, low-rate production environment, requiring strong operational execution and adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience in engineering or a related technical field.

• Proven experience in a technical leadership or functional leadership role.

Required Skills:

• Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and guide technical teams.

• Operations Management: Experience overseeing shop operations, process improvement, and resource allocation.

• Project/Program Management: Proficiency in managing schedules, resources, and meeting critical milestones.

• Communication & Presentation: Experience presenting technical information and project status to leadership and peers.

• Team Development: Skills in mentoring, training, and fostering team growth and collaboration.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to provide technical guidance and troubleshoot fabrication, test, and inspection issues.

• Security Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required, with the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Desktop Computing: Proficiency with MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Project.

• Resource Deployment: Experience in effectively allocating and deploying resources to meet demanding schedules.

• Industry Tooling Knowledge: Familiarity with industry-specific tooling, their identification, and proper usage.

• IPC Standards: Knowledge of IPC Standards such as J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC/WHMA-A-620, related to electronic assemblies.

• Laboratory & Test Equipment: Familiarity with laboratory environments and test equipment utilized in fabrication and inspection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifications You Must Have" and "Qualifications We Prefer" have been categorized and expanded. The requirement for a STEM degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience points to a mid-to-senior level role. The emphasis on IPC standards and specific software like MS Project are critical for operations and engineering roles in this sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Documentation & Optimization: Evidence of documenting existing processes and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle times, or improve quality in fabrication, test, or inspection workflows.

• Technical Leadership Case Studies: Examples demonstrating leadership in guiding technical teams through complex assembly, testing, or inspection challenges.

• Project Management Examples: Artifacts or descriptions showcasing successful management of schedules, resources, and milestones for technical projects, particularly in prototyping or low-rate production environments.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Case studies detailing how technical issues in fabrication, testing, or inspection were identified, analyzed, and resolved, ideally with measurable outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase experience in mapping out existing workflows for electro-mechanical assembly, test, and inspection, and proposing/implementing optimizations.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of implementing new processes or tools to improve operational efficiency, potentially involving Test Equipment development or integration.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for fabrication, test, and inspection processes and track performance against these metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as "portfolio requirements," the responsibilities and qualifications imply a need for candidates to demonstrate their capabilities in process management, technical leadership, and problem-solving, which are typically showcased through a portfolio or detailed project examples during the interview process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $107,500 - $204,500 USD per year.

• Note: This range is a good-faith estimate representing all experience levels for this role. RTX considers factors such as role responsibilities, candidate experience, location, education, and skills when determining the final offer.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision insurance, Short-term disability, Long-term disability, Employee assistance program.

• Financial Security: 401(k) with company match, Flexible spending accounts.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules, Parental leave, Paid time off, Holidays.

• Professional Development: Employee Scholar Program.

• Additional Compensation: Potential eligibility for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs, dependent on individual, business unit, and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, likely 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility as indicated by "Flexible work schedules."

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is broad, indicating significant variation based on experience and specific qualifications. The extensive list of benefits highlights RTX's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is a significant draw for operations and engineering professionals. The mention of potential incentive compensation programs is also a key factor for senior roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense. RTX is a major player in developing advanced technologies for national defense and allied nations, focusing on resilience, innovation, and mission success.

Company Size: Large (RTX is a multinational corporation with a significant global workforce). This implies robust processes, established career paths, and extensive resources.

Founded: Over 100 years of experience. This long history suggests a stable, established company with a deep legacy of engineering and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Department: Hardware Engineering.

• Section: Engineering Rapid Build Services (ERBS) - Test Equipment Prototyping, Test & Inspection Section.

• Reporting: This role reports to a Department Leader and collaborates with other Section Leaders within ERBS. The team managed consists of technicians responsible for fabrication, testing, and inspection.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close interaction with engineering teams for test equipment development, as well as potentially with manufacturing, supply chain, and program management.

Methodology:

• Agile Services: ERBS operates on principles of agility, providing quick-turn services to bridge engineering and operations.

• Process-Oriented: Emphasis on documenting, managing, and improving processes for fabrication, testing, and inspection.

• Data-Driven Insights: While not explicitly detailed, the nature of test and inspection implies a reliance on data for quality control and process improvement.

• Innovation & Prototyping: Focus on rapid hardware development, prototyping, and electro-mechanical packaging.

Company Website: https://www.rtx.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's deep roots in the aerospace and defense sector mean a culture that values precision, reliability, and security. The ERBS department's mission to provide agile, quick-turn services suggests a dynamic environment within a larger, established corporation, requiring strong operational discipline and adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Section Leader position is a significant step into management and leadership within an operations and engineering support function. It's typically considered a mid-to-senior level management role, requiring substantial experience and the ability to manage both people and processes.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Department Leader, indicating a clear hierarchy within the Hardware Engineering division. Collaboration with peers (other Section Leaders) is also a key aspect, fostering a supportive yet accountable leadership environment.

Operations Impact: The section's work directly impacts the development and readiness of critical test equipment, which in turn supports the entire product lifecycle of defense systems. Effective leadership here ensures that engineers have the necessary tools for development, testing, and validation, directly contributing to program success, product quality, and ultimately, the company's ability to meet defense contracts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Department Leader or other senior management roles within Hardware Engineering or ERBS.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of test equipment development, advanced manufacturing techniques, or quality assurance within the aerospace and defense sector.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into program management, operations management, or broader engineering management roles within RTX.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through training, mentorship, and exposure to diverse projects, potentially leading to certifications or advanced technical/management credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for individuals transitioning from senior technical contributor or team lead roles into formal management. The emphasis on process improvement and cross-functional collaboration positions the candidate for broader operational leadership within a large, complex organization like RTX.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Tucson, AZ, within a facility that houses engineering labs and potentially light manufacturing/assembly areas. The environment is likely structured and security-conscious, typical of the defense industry.

Office Location(s): 9020 S Rita Rd, Building 9020, Tucson, AZ. This location is specific and implies the candidate will be based at this facility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expected to foster teamwork and interdependent execution among technicians. Direct interaction with colleagues and leadership is a given.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity tools (MS Office Suite, MS Project) and specific lab/shop equipment for fabrication, testing, and inspection. This includes specialized test equipment, assembly tools, and diagnostic equipment.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with the direct reports (technicians), peers (other Section Leaders), and superiors (Department Leader), as well as potentially engineers and program managers who rely on the section's output.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, likely 40 hours per week. The mention of "flexible work schedules" suggests some degree of adaptability may be possible, but the "Onsite" designation and security requirements will likely dictate core working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the nature of the work (fabrication, testing, inspection, security clearance) point to a hands-on, structured work environment. While flexibility might be offered, the operational demands and security protocols will be paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves HR and potentially the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical & Leadership Interviews: Expect in-depth discussions about your experience in technical leadership, operations management, process improvement, and team management. This may include behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you managed a difficult team member").

• Case Study/Problem-Solving Exercise: Potential for a scenario-based question or a mini-case study related to managing a team, resolving a production issue, or improving a process within fabrication, test, or inspection.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret clearance will be a critical component.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Prepare detailed examples of how you've identified, analyzed, and improved operational processes in fabrication, testing, or inspection. Quantify results (e.g., reduced cycle time by X%, improved yield by Y%).

• Leadership Examples: Be ready to discuss your approach to team management, mentorship, conflict resolution, and performance development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of electro-mechanical assemblies, test equipment, fabrication techniques, and inspection methods. If you have experience with IPC standards, highlight specific projects where you applied them.

• Project Management: Showcase examples of managing projects from inception to completion, focusing on schedule adherence, resource allocation, and risk management.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenarios: Think about common challenges in a lab/shop environment: equipment downtime, staffing shortages, quality issues, conflicting priorities, urgent requests. Prepare your strategic and tactical approaches.

• Leadership Scenarios: Consider how you would handle underperforming employees, inter-team conflicts, or communication breakdowns.

• Process Improvement Frameworks: Be familiar with basic process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean principles, Six Sigma concepts) and how you'd apply them to fabrication and testing workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the leadership and operational aspects, expect interviews to heavily focus on past performance and leadership style, supported by concrete examples. A strong understanding of the ERBS department's role in supporting engineering through agile services will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MS Project: Essential for project planning, scheduling, and resource management, as indicated in preferred qualifications.

• MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint): Standard for documentation, reporting, presentations, and data analysis.

• Internal RTX Systems: Likely specific ERP, PLM, or manufacturing execution systems (MES) used within RTX for production planning, inventory management, and quality control, though not explicitly named.

• Lab & Shop Equipment: Familiarity with various fabrication tools, test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators), inspection tools, and potentially specialized machinery for electro-mechanical assemblies.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, trend identification, and basic reporting on section performance.

• MS Project: For project status reporting and schedule tracking.

• Potentially BI Tools: While not specified, larger organizations like RTX often use Business Intelligence tools for dashboard creation and advanced reporting on operational metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• N/A: This role is not customer-facing in a CRM context. Automation focus would be on shop floor processes and workflow efficiency rather than CRM automation.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding how to streamline processes within the test and inspection lab through better procedures, tooling, or potentially automation of testing sequences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with project management software like MS Project is explicitly mentioned as preferred, but given the responsibilities, it's likely a de facto requirement for effective operations management. Familiarity with industry-specific manufacturing and testing software would be a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation: These are RTX's stated core values and will heavily influence the team's operational ethos.

  • Accountability: Crucial for managing a team responsible for critical test equipment fabrication and inspection.
  • Collaboration: Essential for working effectively with engineering, other sections, and leadership.
  • Innovation: Important for finding new solutions to obsolescence, improving processes, and supporting rapid prototyping.

• Process Rigor: Given the defense industry and security clearance requirements, a culture of adherence to established processes and quality standards is paramount.

• Customer Focus: While internal customers (engineers, programs), the ultimate goal is supporting mission success, requiring a strong service orientation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work closely with Hardware Engineering teams, ERBS peers, and potentially program managers.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging feedback on processes and workflows to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where technicians and leaders share best practices for fabrication, testing, and inspection is vital for skill development and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated RTX values provide a strong framework for understanding the expected workplace culture. For an operations leader, demonstrating how these values translate into daily management practices and operational decisions will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Agility with Rigor: The ERBS department's mandate for "agile services" and "quick-turn" needs to be balanced with the stringent quality and security requirements of the defense industry.

• Technical Expertise & Training: Keeping a team of technicians skilled in diverse fabrication, test, and inspection techniques, especially with evolving technologies and potential obsolescence.

• Resource Management: Effectively managing manpower, equipment, and materials to meet demanding schedules for multiple programs.

• Security Clearance Management: Ensuring all team members maintain their security clearances and adhering to all associated protocols.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between the test equipment section and the engineers who design and require the equipment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development Programs: RTX likely offers formal training for its managers.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn about new fabrication, testing, or inspection technologies relevant to aerospace and defense.

• Process Improvement Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence methodologies.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced leaders within RTX.

• Exposure to Diverse Programs: Working on a variety of defense programs provides broad experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section highlights potential areas where candidates can demonstrate their problem-solving skills and strategic thinking during interviews. The "Growth Opportunities" directly address how an individual can advance their career within RTX.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience leading a technical team responsible for fabrication, testing, and inspection. What was your approach to managing their day-to-day activities and development?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your leadership style, team-building strategies, and how you ensure operational efficiency and quality. Use the STAR method with specific examples of team achievements and challenges overcome.

• "How would you approach improving a process within a test and inspection lab to increase efficiency or reduce cycle time, while maintaining strict quality standards?"

  • Preparation: Outline a methodology. Start with defining the current process, identifying bottlenecks, gathering data, proposing solutions (e.g., tooling changes, workflow adjustments, better documentation), implementing the change, and measuring the outcome. Mention your understanding of Lean or Six Sigma principles if applicable.

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or urgent requests from multiple engineering programs. How did you allocate resources and communicate with stakeholders?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize your prioritization skills, resource management capabilities, and communication strategies. Highlight how you managed expectations and ensured critical tasks were completed.

• "Given the requirement for a Top Secret security clearance, what is your understanding of the responsibilities of a leader in maintaining compliance within a cleared workforce?"

  • Preparation: Demonstrate awareness of security protocols, the importance of integrity, and your role in fostering a security-conscious environment within your team.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do RTX's core values (Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation) align with your leadership philosophy and approach to operations management?"

  • Preparation: Research the values and prepare specific examples of how you embody each one in your professional life.

• "What is your understanding of the ERBS department's role in supporting the Hardware Engineering division, and how would your section contribute to its mission of agile services?"

  • Preparation: Show you've read and understood the job description and company context. Focus on how your team's output directly enables engineering development and prototyping.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: When presenting case studies, always lead with the problem or objective, clearly state your role and actions, and emphasize the quantifiable results or positive impact on the project/organization.

• Process Flow Visuals: If possible, use simple diagrams to illustrate process improvements you've implemented.

• Leadership Narrative: For leadership examples, focus on your decision-making process and the influence you had on team performance and development.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight experiences most relevant to managing technicians, overseeing fabrication/test/inspection, and working within a structured, secure environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical aptitude but also leadership potential, operational acumen, and cultural fit within a highly regulated industry. Preparing specific, quantifiable examples will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations leadership position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in technical leadership, operations management, process improvement, fabrication, testing, inspection, and any experience with IPC standards or project management software (MS Project). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble examples of your work that demonstrate process improvements, successful project management, and team leadership. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Company & Role Research: Thoroughly research RTX, its mission, and the ERBS department's role. Understand the importance of test equipment development and the challenges within the aerospace and defense sector.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving skills, and operational expertise. Practice articulating your experience with specific examples relevant to this role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The requirement for a Top Secret security clearance and U.S. citizenship is non-negotiable.