Rapid Prototyping Master Scheduler at RTX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Rapid Prototyping Master Scheduler

Company: RTX

Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Rapid Prototyping & Scheduling

Date Posted: 2025-06-10T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Oversee and optimize the master scheduling process for a rapid prototyping and fabrication environment, ensuring timely delivery of complex engineering solutions.
Collaborate closely with project managers and shop leadership to align fabrication schedules with critical product development milestones and customer commitments.
Utilize advanced scheduling tools and internal systems to manage dynamic constraints, identify bottlenecks, and implement mitigation strategies in a high-volume, low-mix setting.
Contribute to the continuous improvement and development of the internal shop floor management system (RAPID) to enhance scheduling accuracy and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not a traditional design position, the "Rapid Prototyping" aspect involves supporting engineering teams in the early stages of product development, which often includes physical or functional prototypes that require consideration of user interaction and form. The scheduler's role is critical to enabling the iterative design and testing cycles inherent in prototyping.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and meticulously maintain master schedules for the engineering prototyping and fabrication department, encompassing electrical and mechanical fabrication activities.
Engage proactively with project managers and fabrication shop leadership to analyze schedule performance, identify potential risks, and implement optimization strategies to ensure on-time delivery.
Leverage the internal shop floor management system (RAPID) to perform detailed data analysis, query schedules, and generate reports that inform decision-making regarding workload balancing and resource allocation.
Act as a key liaison with the software development team responsible for the RAPID system, providing user feedback, overseeing maintenance activities, and contributing to the planning and execution of new feature development.
Manage and communicate complex scheduling constraints effectively to all stakeholders, including project owners, shop leadership, and department managers, ensuring clarity and alignment on project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the critical role of the scheduler in a fast-paced prototyping environment. This requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and the ability to adapt schedules quickly to accommodate iterative design changes and testing needs, which are fundamental to rapid prototyping.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) is typically required, providing a foundational understanding of the technical processes involved in rapid prototyping and fabrication.

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of dedicated experience in implementing and managing shop floor control processes is essential. This experience should include practical application in areas such as material requirements planning, factory floor scheduling, workflow tracking, and capacity planning, preferably within a manufacturing engineering or prototyping environment. Experience managing complex schedules and mitigating constraints is critical, as is experience utilizing scheduling tools.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in implementing and managing shop floor control processes, including Material Requirements Planning (MRP), factory floor scheduling, workflow tracking, and capacity planning.
Demonstrated expertise in using MS Project or similar complex scheduling software to manage intricate project timelines and dependencies.
Proven ability to identify, analyze, and effectively manage schedule constraints, proactively developing and implementing mitigation strategies.
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is a mandatory requirement prior to the start date.
U.S. citizenship is required due to security clearance eligibility requirements.

Preferred Skills:

Exceptional organizational skills with a proven ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks, prioritize competing demands, and consistently meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Background or experience in machine shop operations, mechanical fabrication, or electronics fabrication, providing a practical understanding of the processes being scheduled.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate effectively and build strong relationships within a diverse team environment.
Advanced proficiency and extensive experience utilizing MS Project for complex scheduling and resource management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex schedule information clearly, concisely, and in a timely manner to various stakeholders.
Experience working with SAP ERP systems for enterprise resource planning and data management.
Proficiency in using the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data analysis, reporting, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills highlight the need for a strong technical and logistical background, crucial for managing the complexities of a rapid prototyping environment. Preferred skills emphasize organizational and communication abilities, which are vital for coordinating across technical teams and leadership. The security clearance requirement is a significant factor specific to the defense industry context.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

While this role is not a traditional design position requiring a creative portfolio, demonstrating experience in the following through project examples or case studies would be beneficial:

Examples of complex project schedules you have built and managed, highlighting your approach to handling dependencies and constraints.
Case studies illustrating how you have successfully identified and mitigated scheduling bottlenecks in a manufacturing or prototyping environment.
Documentation showcasing your process for tracking workflow, managing capacity, and utilizing scheduling software to optimize production.
Any examples of contributions to the development or improvement of scheduling or workflow management systems.

Process Documentation:

Focus on documenting your process for:

Gathering requirements and inputs for building a master schedule in a dynamic environment.
Implementing scheduling methodologies and best practices to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Monitoring schedule performance, identifying deviations, and implementing corrective actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is not a traditional design role, the "Portfolio & Creative Requirements" section has been adapted to focus on demonstrating relevant experience through project examples and process documentation related to scheduling and operational management in a technical or manufacturing context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 82,000 USD - 164,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for this role at RTX. Factors influencing the final offer include the candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills, as well as the specific responsibilities of the position.

Benefits:

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage for employees and their dependents.
Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage for financial security.
401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match to support long-term financial planning.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for pre-tax savings on healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Flexible Work Schedules, offering some degree of adaptability depending on the specific role and team needs, while maintaining on-site requirements for this position.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.
Employee Scholar Program offering financial assistance for approved educational pursuits to support continuous learning and career development.
Parental Leave to support new parents.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays, providing opportunities for rest and personal time.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position with standard working hours, typically around 40 hours per week. While some flexibility in scheduling may be possible depending on team needs and project phases, the role is primarily on-site and requires consistent presence to support rapid prototyping operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is directly from the job posting, reflecting the company's defined compensation band for this role. The benefits listed are also directly from the provided data, offering a comprehensive package typical of a large defense contractor.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing. RTX operates within the highly regulated and complex defense and aerospace sectors, focusing on developing advanced systems and components for national security and commercial aviation. The industry demands precision, reliability, and innovation in engineering and manufacturing processes.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. RTX is a large, publicly traded company with a significant global presence. Working within a large organization means structured processes, established teams, and opportunities for collaboration across various disciplines. For this role, it implies being part of a substantial engineering and manufacturing operation.

Founded: While a specific founding date for the combined RTX is not provided, the constituent companies (Raytheon, United Technologies) have histories spanning over a century, reflecting a deep legacy in aerospace and defense innovation.

Team Structure:

This role is within the Engineering Prototyping and Fabrication department, known as the "Bike Shop," which is part of the Systems Integration and Test directorate’s Environment Center.
The scheduler will work closely with shop project management, fabrication shop leadership (covering electrical and mechanical fabrication), and potentially a software team supporting the internal scheduling system.
Cross-functional collaboration with engineering teams requiring prototyping support will be frequent.

Methodology:

The "Rapid Prototyping" environment suggests an iterative and agile approach to fabrication and testing, supporting early demonstration and product development.
The use of an internal shop floor management system (RAPID) indicates a reliance on structured data and processes for scheduling and workflow management.
The defense context implies adherence to strict quality and process standards.

Company Website: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company and industry context are crucial for understanding the environment of this role. The defense sector's emphasis on security, precision, and structured processes heavily influences the nature of the work, even in a rapid prototyping setting. The size of RTX indicates a well-established organizational structure and mature processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Career Level: This role, requiring a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of relevant experience, aligns with a mid-level to senior individual contributor position focused on operational scheduling expertise within an engineering support function. It involves managing complex processes and potentially influencing system development.

Reporting Structure: The scheduler will work closely with shop project management and shop leadership, suggesting reporting lines within the fabrication or operations management structure of the "Bike Shop" department. Collaboration with engineering teams and potentially the software development team is also key.

Design Impact: While not a direct design role, this position has a significant indirect impact on the product development process by enabling the efficient and timely fabrication of prototypes. The scheduler's ability to optimize schedules directly supports the iterative design, testing, and validation cycles that are critical for successful product development in this industry.

Growth Opportunities:

Advancement within the scheduling or operations management track, potentially leading to leadership roles within the fabrication department or broader supply chain/operations functions.
Specialization in advanced scheduling methodologies, capacity planning, or manufacturing execution systems (MES).
Opportunities to contribute more significantly to the development and enhancement of the internal RAPID system, potentially moving towards a more technical or product management-oriented role related to operational software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the potential progression paths within an operations/scheduling domain in a large manufacturing/engineering organization. While not a traditional design growth path, the role's close interaction with prototyping and potential involvement in system development offer alternative avenues for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site in a manufacturing engineering fabrication environment. This is not a typical creative design studio but rather a functional space dedicated to the physical realization of engineering designs through rapid prototyping and fabrication processes.

Office Location(s): 6880 South Tucson Boulevard Building B, Tucson, AZ, 85706-7016 USA. This is a specific facility associated with RTX's operations in Tucson, Arizona.

Design Workspace Context:

The workspace will be closely integrated with the fabrication shop environment, likely involving interaction with machinery, tools, and technical staff.
Collaboration spaces will be geared towards operational planning, schedule reviews, and technical discussions related to fabrication processes.
Access to scheduling software, operational data, and communication tools will be central to the role.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site. The nature of supporting rapid prototyping operations necessitates a consistent physical presence to interact with the shop floor and project teams directly. Flexibility may exist within the standard workday but remote work is not the primary mode of operation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the practical, on-site nature of the role within a fabrication facility, distinctly different from a typical design studio. This is crucial for candidates to understand the physical context of the position.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial screening interview, likely focusing on your experience with scheduling, shop floor control processes, and relevant industry background. Be prepared to discuss your resume and highlight key accomplishments.
Technical interview(s) where you may be asked to discuss your approach to complex scheduling challenges, bottleneck management, and experience with specific scheduling tools like MS Project. Be ready to provide examples from your past work.
Interviews with potential team members and leadership from the "Bike Shop" department. This will assess your collaboration skills, communication style, and fit within the team culture and operational environment.
A final interview with a hiring manager or director, likely focusing on your strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit for the role and organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

As this is not a traditional design role, focus your "portfolio" or supporting documents on demonstrating your expertise in scheduling and operational management. Prepare case studies or project summaries that highlight:

The complexity of the schedules you have managed, including the number of tasks, dependencies, and resources involved.
Specific instances where you successfully optimized schedules, reduced lead times, or improved on-time delivery performance.
Your process for identifying and resolving scheduling conflicts or bottlenecks.
How you have utilized scheduling software and data analysis to inform your decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

While a specific design challenge is unlikely, be prepared for a technical discussion or a hypothetical scenario related to scheduling and managing a rapid prototyping workflow. Practice articulating your thought process for:

Building a master schedule from a set of project requirements and resource constraints.
Responding to unexpected delays or changes in priority in a dynamic environment.
Communicating complex schedule information and potential impacts to various stakeholders.

ATS Keywords: Rapid Prototyping, Master Schedule, Shop Floor Control, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Factory Floor Scheduling, Workflow Tracking, Capacity Planning, MS Project, Scheduling Software, Schedule Management, Constraint Management, Bottleneck Analysis, SAP ERP, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Data Analysis, Operational Efficiency, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Fabrication, Mechanical Fabrication, Electrical Fabrication, DoD Clearance, Security Clearance, U.S. Citizen, Project Management, Team Leadership, Communication, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Process Improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process guidance is tailored to a technical/operations role rather than a design role. The focus is on demonstrating scheduling expertise, problem-solving abilities in an operational context, and the ability to work effectively within a team and communicate technical information. The ATS keywords are relevant to scheduling, manufacturing, and the defense industry context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Scheduling & Management Tools:

MS Project: Essential for building, maintaining, and analyzing complex master schedules. Expect to demonstrate proficiency in managing dependencies, resources, and constraints within this software.
Internal Shop Floor Management System (RAPID): This proprietary system is central to the role for sorting, querying, and analyzing shop schedule data. Experience with similar custom or commercial MES/shop floor control systems would be beneficial.

Collaboration & Handoff:

MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint): Used for data analysis, reporting, and communicating schedule information and insights to stakeholders.
Other internal communication and collaboration platforms may be utilized for team interaction and project updates.

Planning & Data Analysis:

SAP ERP: Experience with SAP or other enterprise resource planning systems is preferred, indicating familiarity with broader operational data and processes that feed into scheduling.
Skills in data analysis and querying to extract meaningful insights from scheduling and workflow data are important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology section focuses on the software and systems critical for a scheduling and operations role. MS Project is explicitly mentioned as a requirement, while experience with ERP and internal systems (like RAPID) is also highlighted as important for managing operational data.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Company Values:

Trust: Essential for effective collaboration and reliance on accurate schedule information.
Respect: Fostering a positive and inclusive work environment within the fabrication team and with engineering collaborators.
Accountability: Taking ownership of schedule accuracy and delivery commitments.
Collaboration: Working closely with project managers, shop leadership, and engineering teams to optimize schedules and solve problems.
Innovation: Contributing to the improvement of scheduling processes and the RAPID system to enhance efficiency in the rapid prototyping environment.

Collaboration Style:

The role requires close collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including technical staff on the shop floor, project managers, engineering teams, and leadership.
Effective communication and the ability to work cohesively in a diverse teaming environment are highlighted as preferred skills, indicating a collaborative and team-oriented approach is valued.
Regular communication and updates on schedule status and potential issues will be crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are derived from the company's stated values and the nature of working in a collaborative rapid prototyping environment. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, communication, and accountability, which are critical for successful operational roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Managing the dynamic and fast-paced nature of a rapid prototyping environment, where priorities and requirements can change frequently. This requires adaptability and the ability to quickly adjust schedules.
Balancing the demands of multiple simultaneous projects and optimizing resource allocation across a high-volume, low-mix fabrication shop.
Identifying and effectively communicating potential bottlenecks and constraints to stakeholders and implementing mitigation strategies in a timely manner.
Working with and potentially contributing to the development of an internal, proprietary scheduling system (RAPID), which may require learning a unique platform and collaborating closely with software developers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Deepening expertise in advanced scheduling techniques and operational optimization methodologies.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the rapid prototyping and fabrication processes within a defense industry context.
Opportunity to influence the development and functionality of the internal RAPID system, potentially gaining experience in system analysis or product ownership.
Developing strong communication and stakeholder management skills in a complex technical environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of a dynamic rapid prototyping environment in the defense industry. The challenges relate to managing complexity and change, while the opportunities focus on developing specialized skills in scheduling, operational systems, and stakeholder collaboration within a technical context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Scheduling & Operations Questions:

Describe your process for building a master schedule for a complex project with multiple dependencies and resource constraints. Be prepared to discuss a specific example from your experience.
How do you identify and manage bottlenecks in a manufacturing or fabrication workflow? Provide examples of how you have successfully mitigated bottlenecks in the past.
Explain your experience using MS Project or similar scheduling software. Walk through how you would use the tool to track progress, identify variances, and update a schedule.
How do you handle competing priorities and unexpected changes in a dynamic scheduling environment?

Team & Collaboration Questions:

Describe a time you had to communicate difficult schedule news or explain a delay to stakeholders. How did you approach the conversation, and what was the outcome?
How do you collaborate with technical teams (e.g., fabrication staff, engineers) to gather information for scheduling and ensure schedule adherence?
Discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams on project delivery.

Problem-Solving & Analytical Questions:

Describe a challenging scheduling problem you faced and how you approached solving it. What was the result?
How do you use data to inform your scheduling decisions and improve operational efficiency?
If you noticed a consistent delay in a specific part of the fabrication process, how would you investigate the root cause and propose a solution?

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation guidance is focused on assessing the candidate's technical expertise in scheduling and operations, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for effective communication and collaboration within a technical team environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Rapid Prototyping Master Scheduler position:

Submit your application through this link.
Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in shop floor control processes, master scheduling, bottleneck management, and using scheduling software like MS Project. Use relevant ATS keywords.
Prepare to discuss specific examples of complex schedules you have managed and how you successfully navigated challenges and achieved on-time delivery.
Research RTX, the "Bike Shop" department (if information is publicly available), and the defense industry to understand the context of the role and company culture.
Be prepared to discuss your eligibility for a U.S. government issued security clearance and confirm your U.S. citizenship.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Rapid Prototyping Master Scheduler