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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: RTX

Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-04-27

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a critical section within Engineering Rapid Build Services (ERBS) focused on Test Equipment (TE) prototyping, fabrication, testing, and inspection.

• Manage a team of technicians responsible for electrical and mechanical assemblies, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to rigorous standards.

• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies within the section to support agile development and quick-turn manufacturing initiatives.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering and program management, to meet project milestones and deliver innovative solutions.

• Uphold stringent security protocols and maintain an active DoD Top Secret security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within a hardware engineering and rapid prototyping environment, requiring a strong blend of technical understanding, team leadership, and operational oversight. The emphasis on "quick-turn procurement and manufacturing" and "agile services" suggests a fast-paced, results-oriented operational setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development:

  • Coordinate program staffing needs, ensuring optimal work assignments and career growth opportunities for all direct reports.
  • Provide essential guidance, direction, and mentorship to foster individual and team development.
  • Oversee training programs to enhance and maintain current skill sets within the section, focusing on fabrication, testing, and inspection techniques.
  • Participate actively in performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, and merit allocation.
  • Manage manpower requirements, including interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new team members.

• Operational Oversight & Process Management:

  • Document and manage the detailed processes, roles, and responsibilities of the section, contributing to broader organizational process development.
  • Provide oversight for shop operations and fabrication, testing, and inspection processes, actively seeking and implementing process improvements.
  • Offer technical guidance and troubleshooting support for fabrication, test, and inspection-related issues to ensure timely resolution.
  • Identify and recommend alternative tooling solutions in response to obsolescence or availability challenges.
  • Ensure compliance with laboratory policies and address any compliance issues proactively.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategic Alignment:

  • Collaborate effectively with the Department Leader and other ERBS Section Leaders to achieve overarching Hardware Engineering goals.

  • Foster a culture of teamwork and interdependent execution to drive successful task completion.

  • Facilitate clear communication flow from Directorate and Business leadership to the team.

  • Support broader functional initiatives within the department, center, and directorate as required.

  • Ensure seamless integration of the section's activities with program requirements and engineering objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on people management (staffing, growth, performance) and operational excellence (process documentation, improvement, technical guidance, compliance). The "quick-turn" nature of ERBS implies a need for efficient resource allocation and rapid problem-solving.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Technical Leadership: Proven experience in a technical leadership role, guiding teams and providing technical direction.

• Program & Resource Management: Demonstrated experience in functional leadership or program management, effectively managing schedules and resources to meet critical milestones.

• Communication & Presentation: Strong ability to present information and findings effectively to leadership and peer groups.

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

• Technical Aptitude: Ability to interpret electrical and mechanical engineering drawings and sketches for fabrication and assembly guidance.

• Process Oversight: Experience in overseeing shop operations and processes, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Preferred Skills:

• Innovative Solutions: Proven track record of developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex technical challenges.

• Time & Resource Management: Exceptional ability to manage time and resources to consistently meet demanding schedules in a fast-paced environment.

• Industry Standards: Experience with IPC Standards, specifically J-STD-001 (Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies), IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies), and IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies).

• Laboratory & Test Equipment Familiarity: Knowledge of and experience with laboratory and test equipment relevant to electro-mechanical assembly and testing.

• Tooling Expertise: Knowledge of industry-specific tooling, including identification, proper use, and troubleshooting.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with agile processes and their application in rapid prototyping and manufacturing environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific IPC standards (J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620) is a strong indicator of the hands-on, quality-critical nature of the work performed by the team this role will lead. This suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail and adherence to industry-recognized quality benchmarks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Leadership Case Studies: Examples of successfully leading technical teams through complex projects, demonstrating problem-solving, resource allocation, and milestone achievement.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Documented instances of identifying, analyzing, and implementing process improvements in fabrication, testing, or inspection, with quantifiable results (e.g., reduced cycle time, improved yield, cost savings).

• Technical Guidance Examples: Demonstrations of providing effective technical guidance to resolve fabrication, test, or inspection challenges, potentially through process documentation or problem-solving reports.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Evidence of successful collaboration with engineering, program management, or other operational teams to achieve project objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of documenting existing workflows and proposing/implementing optimizations for production or laboratory environments.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Development or oversight of SOPs for fabrication, testing, and inspection processes, ensuring consistency and quality.

• Quality Assurance Documentation: Familiarity with documenting quality assurance checks, test results, and inspection reports in accordance with industry standards.

• Change Management: Experience in managing and documenting changes to processes or procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly asking for a formal "portfolio" in the traditional sense, the role implies that candidates should be prepared to discuss and showcase their experience in process documentation, improvement, and technical leadership. This could be through resume accomplishments, interview discussions, or potentially a prepared presentation on a relevant project. The emphasis on "document and manage the processes" is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $107,500 - $204,500 USD per year.

• Note: This range is provided as a good faith estimate, representative of all experience levels for this role. RTX considers factors such as role function, responsibilities, candidate experience, location, education, and key skills when determining final compensation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Life insurance, Short-term disability, and Long-term disability coverage.

• 401(k) plan with employer match.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Flexible work schedules and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Employee Scholar Program for continued education and development.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid Holidays.

• Parental leave.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week. The "flexible work schedules" benefit may offer some adaptability within this framework, but the on-site nature of the role will dictate core working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is substantial, reflecting the seniority, required security clearance, and leadership responsibilities of the role. The inclusion of "flexible work schedules" is a notable benefit that may appeal to operations professionals seeking work-life balance, though the on-site requirement is paramount. A significant portion of the listed benefits are standard for large, established corporations like RTX.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Technology, Manufacturing. RTX is a major player in global security, providing advanced solutions for defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity. This industry context implies a culture of high stakes, rigorous standards, and a strong emphasis on innovation and reliability.

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees). This size typically means structured processes, diverse career paths, and a robust HR infrastructure, but potentially less agility than smaller organizations.

Founded: RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) was formed in 2020 through a merger, but its constituent companies have histories spanning over a century, bringing a deep legacy of engineering excellence and defense contracting.

Team Structure:

• Operations within Hardware Engineering: The ERBS department bridges Engineering and Operations, indicating a collaborative and integrated structure.

• Section Leader Role: This is a direct management role, leading a team of technicians. The Section Leader reports to a Department Leader and works alongside other Section Leaders.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect to collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineers, program managers, procurement specialists, and potentially quality assurance personnel. The "agile services" model suggests a dynamic, project-driven team environment.

Methodology:

• Agile & Quick-Turn: ERBS emphasizes agile processes, quick-turn procurement, and rapid manufacturing. This points to a methodology focused on speed, flexibility, and iterative development.

• Data-Driven Improvement: While not explicitly stated, the nature of operations and engineering roles at RTX implies a reliance on data for process analysis, performance tracking, and decision-making.

• Process Optimization: The role explicitly involves documenting and managing processes, and driving process improvements, highlighting a commitment to operational efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's heritage and scale in the defense industry suggest a culture that values precision, security, and long-term impact. The ERBS department's mission within this context is to provide rapid, flexible support, creating a unique operational dynamic that blends the rigor of defense with the speed of agile prototyping.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into management and leadership within an operations and engineering support function. It's positioned as a Section Leader, indicating direct responsibility for a team and operational processes, bridging individual contributor technical expertise with managerial duties. The experience requirement (8+ years) further solidifies its mid-to-senior level standing.

Reporting Structure:

• The Section Leader will report to a Department Leader within the Hardware Engineering department, specifically overseeing the ERBS group.

• They will manage a team of technicians responsible for fabrication, testing, and inspection.

Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct impact on the speed and quality of Test Equipment (TE) development and prototyping.

• By ensuring efficient operations, proper testing, and high-quality fabrication, the Section Leader contributes to the overall success of critical defense programs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Department Leadership: Successful performance as a Section Leader can pave the way for promotion to Department Leader or similar higher-level management roles within Hardware Engineering or ERBS.

• Specialization in Operations Management: Deepening expertise in managing rapid prototyping, test operations, and complex manufacturing processes.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Opportunities to move into program management, supply chain, or other operational leadership roles within RTX.

• Technical Specialization: For those with a strong technical bent, opportunities to become subject matter experts in specific areas of test equipment, electro-mechanical assembly, or advanced fabrication techniques.

• Leadership Development Programs: RTX likely offers formal leadership training and development programs to support career growth for its managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for individuals looking to transition from hands-on technical roles into management, with opportunities for both operational leadership and career progression within a major defense contractor. The security clearance requirement is a significant factor in career trajectory within this industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at a RTX facility in Tucson, AZ. This implies a traditional corporate and laboratory/manufacturing environment.

Office Location(s): 9020 S Rita Rd, Building 9020, Tucson, AZ. This specific address indicates a dedicated facility or section within a larger campus.

Workspace Context:

• Laboratory/Shop Floor Environment: The team works with fabrication, testing, and inspection equipment, suggesting a hands-on workspace that requires adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures.

• Collaborative Spaces: While a shop floor environment, there will be opportunities for interaction with engineers, other section leaders, and department management, likely in shared office areas or meeting rooms.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, as well as specialized fabrication, testing, and inspection equipment, and potentially enterprise resource planning (ERP) or manufacturing execution systems (MES).

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule (likely 40 hours/week) is expected.

• The "flexible work schedules" benefit suggests potential for some degree of schedule adjustment, but the on-site, operational nature of the role will require consistent presence during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical. Candidates must be willing and able to work from the Tucson facility daily. The environment will be a blend of office-based management tasks and direct oversight of shop floor operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest, and security clearance status.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Department Leader or Hiring Manager to delve deeper into leadership experience, technical understanding, and operational approach. Expect questions related to team management, process improvement, and problem-solving.

• Technical/Team Interviews: Interviews with peers (other Section Leaders) and potentially senior technicians to assess collaboration style, technical acumen, and fit with the team's operational culture.

• Leadership Panel Interview: A more formal interview with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, decision-making capabilities, and overall leadership potential.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of active Top Secret clearance status.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership Impact: Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you led a team to achieve critical operational objectives, improved processes, or resolved significant challenges. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "reduced cycle time by 15%", "improved team productivity by 10%").

• Process Documentation Examples: While a formal portfolio might not be required, have examples ready to discuss how you've documented, standardized, and improved operational processes (fabrication, testing, inspection). Highlight your understanding of IPC standards if applicable.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare detailed examples of how you've tackled technical issues on the shop floor or within test equipment development, including your troubleshooting methodology and the outcome.

• Team Management Stories: Share anecdotes that demonstrate your approach to mentoring, performance management, conflict resolution, and fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Company Research: Understand RTX's mission, its role in the defense industry, and the specific contributions of the ERBS department. Tailor your responses to align with the company's values and strategic goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Improvement Case Study: You may be asked to walk through a past process improvement project, detailing the problem, your analysis, proposed solution, implementation, and results.

• Leadership Scenario Questions: Be ready to respond to hypothetical situations related to managing team performance, resource conflicts, or unexpected operational issues.

• Technical Troubleshooting Exercise: Potentially a discussion or scenario-based question around diagnosing a fabrication, test, or inspection problem.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the managerial and technical nature of this role, interviewers will be looking for evidence of both strong people management skills and a solid understanding of manufacturing/engineering operations. The security clearance requirement is non-negotiable and will be a primary screening factor.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) / ERP Systems: Likely exposure to systems used for work order management, production tracking, inventory control, and resource planning (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or RTX-specific proprietary systems).

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Familiarity with systems for managing quality documentation, non-conformance reporting, and corrective actions.

• Project Management Software: Tools to track project schedules, resources, and milestones (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana).

• Document Control Systems: For managing technical documentation, SOPs, and process specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with tools for data analysis and reporting (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, QlikView) to monitor section performance metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, reporting, and tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales role, understanding how operations interfaces with customer/program requirements might involve CRM basics.

• Automation Tools: Familiarity with concepts of automation in manufacturing and testing processes, even if not directly managing automation systems. This could include knowledge of lean manufacturing principles or basic automation concepts.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different systems (e.g., ERP, QMS, design tools) might integrate to streamline operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "process documentation" and "operations oversight" suggests that proficiency in standard office productivity suites (Microsoft Office, especially Excel) and an understanding of enterprise-level operational software (ERP/MES) are expected. Specific tool names are less critical than the ability to leverage them for efficiency and control.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation (RTX Core Values): These will be the guiding principles.

  • Accountability: Taking ownership of team performance, process adherence, and project outcomes.
  • Collaboration: Working effectively with engineers, other leaders, and technicians to achieve shared goals.
  • Innovation: Encouraging new ideas for process improvements, tooling solutions, and efficient fabrication/testing methods.
  • Respect: Valuing the contributions of every team member, from senior engineers to technicians.
  • Trust: Building a reliable team and fostering an environment where trust is earned and maintained.

• Quality & Precision: Given the defense industry context and the focus on test equipment, a strong emphasis on accuracy, adherence to standards (like IPC), and meticulous execution is paramount.

• Efficiency & Agility: The ERBS mission prioritizes quick-turn services, so a culture that values speed, adaptability, and problem-solving under pressure will be prevalent.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Team Approach: Expect a collaborative environment where engineers and operations personnel work closely together. The ERBS department itself is a bridge between these functions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct feedback and open dialogue to address issues and drive improvements.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Proactively engaging with other departments (e.g., procurement, quality assurance, other engineering teams) to ensure smooth operations and project success.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports the development of team members through sharing expertise and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of RTX's core values provides a direct insight into expected behaviors. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their leadership style and operational approach align with these values, particularly accountability, collaboration, and innovation in a technical operations context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The "quick-turn" mandate of ERBS can create tension with the rigorous quality and security standards required in the defense industry. Managing this balance will be a key challenge.

• Resource Constraints: Effectively managing manpower and resources to meet demanding, often shifting, program schedules in a potentially high-mix, low-rate production environment.

• Technical Complexity: Overseeing a team that handles diverse electro-mechanical assemblies, testing, and inspection requires a broad technical understanding and the ability to quickly grasp new challenges.

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

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: In a specialized field, attracting and retaining skilled technicians and fostering their growth within the team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership Training: Access to RTX's leadership development programs to enhance management and strategic planning skills.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like advanced fabrication techniques, specialized testing methodologies, or specific IPC standards relevant to defense applications.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge prototyping and test equipment development practices within the aerospace and defense sector.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within RTX and to mentor junior staff, fostering leadership growth.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Formal training or on-the-job learning in methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Agile for operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should view these challenges not as deterrents, but as opportunities to apply their skills and grow. The ability to navigate complexity and drive improvement in a high-stakes environment is key to success and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Leadership Philosophy: "Describe your leadership style. How do you motivate and manage a team of technical professionals and technicians?" Focus on your approach to accountability, development, and fostering a positive team culture.

• Process Improvement Experience: "Walk me through a time you identified and implemented a significant process improvement in a manufacturing or technical operations setting. What was the outcome?" Be ready to detail the problem, your methodology, the implementation, and quantifiable results.

• Handling Difficult Situations: "Describe a challenging situation you faced with team performance or an operational bottleneck. How did you address it?" Prepare examples demonstrating problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making under pressure.

• Technical Oversight: "How do you ensure technical quality and compliance in fabrication, testing, and inspection processes when you may not be the subject matter expert in every area?" Highlight your methods for oversight, quality checks, and leveraging team expertise.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with RTX Values: "How do you embody our core values of Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation in your daily work and leadership?" Provide specific examples.

• Understanding of ERBS Mission: "What is your understanding of the ERBS department's role, and how would your leadership contribute to its mission of agile services and quick-turn manufacturing?"

• Security Clearance Importance: "Why is maintaining a security clearance and adhering to security protocols important in your role and for our company?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Examples: For any project or leadership challenge you discuss, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your actions (e.g., "reduced rework by X%", "increased throughput by Y%", "successfully delivered Z projects on time").

• Focus on Process & People: Highlight your ability to manage both the technical processes and the people responsible for executing them.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experiences that directly relate to leading technical teams, managing operational processes (fabrication, test, inspection), and driving efficiency in a prototyping or manufacturing context.

• Be Prepared to Discuss IPC Standards: If you have experience with J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, or IPC/WHMA-A-620, be ready to discuss their importance and your application of them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical leadership capabilities and the candidate's ability to operate within a highly regulated and security-conscious environment. Strong communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving mindset will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the RTX careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in technical leadership, team management, operational oversight (specifically in fabrication, testing, or inspection), process improvement, and resource management. Use keywords from the job description such as "technical leadership," "program management," "process improvement," "test equipment," and "IPC standards."

• Prepare Leadership Stories: Prepare specific, quantifiable examples of your leadership achievements, process improvements, and problem-solving successes using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Security Clearance Confirmation: Be prepared to confirm your U.S. citizenship and your ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance. This is a critical requirement.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with RTX's mission, values, and the specific role of the ERBS department within Hardware Engineering. Understand the importance of agile services and quick-turn manufacturing in the defense sector.

⚠️ 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.