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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: RTX

Location: Tucson, AZ, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Hardware Engineering Leadership

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a specialized section focused on the fabrication, testing, and inspection of complex electro-mechanical assemblies for test equipment and prototyping.

• Drive operational efficiency and process improvements within the Test Equipment and Prototyping Test and Inspection section.

• Manage and develop a team of technicians, ensuring adequate staffing, training, and career growth opportunities.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align section operations with broader Hardware Engineering and ERBS department goals.

• Uphold stringent quality standards and compliance requirements in all fabrication, testing, and inspection activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "ERBS - TE Prototyping and Test and Inspection Section Leader," the core responsibilities and company context suggest this role is a blend of technical leadership within a manufacturing/engineering support function and people management. It sits at the intersection of operations (fabrication, testing, inspection) and engineering (prototyping, test equipment development), requiring a strong understanding of both. The emphasis on process improvement and team development points towards a Revenue Operations or Sales Operations adjacent role focused on operational excellence within a product development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Test Equipment and Prototyping Test and Inspection section, ensuring efficient workflow and timely completion of tasks.

• Coordinate program staffing needs, assigning suitable work to direct reports and fostering opportunities for their professional growth and career advancement.

• Develop, document, and manage section-specific processes, roles, and responsibilities, ensuring alignment with organizational standards.

• Provide guidance, direction, and mentorship to technicians, enhancing their technical skills and problem-solving capabilities.

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

• Oversee training initiatives to develop direct reports' skillsets and maintain/improve the overall technical proficiency within the section.

• Foster a collaborative team environment that promotes interdependent execution of tasks and shared responsibility.

• Participate in performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, and merit allocation for team members.

• Manage manpower requirements, including interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new technicians.

• Assist lab leads in enforcing lab policies and addressing compliance issues within the section's operational areas.

• Provide oversight for shop operations and processes, actively identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Offer technical guidance and support for troubleshooting fabrication, test, and inspection-related issues encountered by the team.

• Identify and implement alternate tooling solutions in response to obsolescence or availability challenges, ensuring continuity of operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a first-line manager or section leader in a technical manufacturing or engineering support environment. For operations professionals, this translates to managing a team responsible for the execution of critical processes (fabrication, testing, inspection) that directly impact product development timelines and quality. The emphasis on process documentation and improvement is a hallmark of operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of prior relevant experience, with a significant portion in technical leadership or program management.

• Demonstrated experience in a functional leadership or program management role, including proven ability to manage schedules and resources to meet assigned milestones.

• Experience presenting technical information and project updates to leadership and peer groups.

• Experience with IPC Standards, such as J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Technical Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor technical teams in a manufacturing or production environment.

• Program Management: Experience managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables to meet critical milestones.

• Staffing & Team Development: Skills in coordinating program staffing, overseeing training, and participating in performance management.

• Process Oversight & Improvement: Ability to manage shop operations, document processes, and implement continuous improvements.

• Fabrication & Inspection Knowledge: Understanding of the processes involved in fabricating and inspecting electrical and mechanical assemblies.

• Security Clearance: Must possess an active and existing U.S. government issued DoD Top Secret security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Skills:

• Industry-Specific Tooling: Knowledge of specialized tooling used in electro-mechanical assembly, fabrication, and testing, including identification and proper use.

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

• Time & Resource Management: Strong ability to manage time and resources effectively to consistently meet demanding schedules.

• Technical Drawing Interpretation: Proficiency in interpreting electrical and mechanical engineering drawings and sketches.

• Resource Deployment: Experience deploying resources strategically to satisfy demanding schedules and project requirements.

• Quality Standards: Familiarity with IPC Standards (J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620) for electronic assembly quality.

• Lab & Test Equipment: Experience with the setup, operation, and maintenance of laboratory and test equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifications You Must Have" section clearly indicates a need for technical leadership and program management experience, which are transferable skills for operations roles focused on managing teams and processes. The preference for IPC standards and interpretation of engineering drawings highlights a need for attention to detail and adherence to technical specifications, critical in any operations-focused role. The security clearance requirement is a significant factor for candidates in the defense industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Documentation Examples: Showcase examples of documented manufacturing, testing, or inspection processes, highlighting any improvements made to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle time, or improve quality.

• Workflow Optimization Case Studies: Present case studies demonstrating how you identified bottlenecks in a workflow and implemented solutions to streamline operations, improve resource allocation, or reduce errors.

• Team Management & Development Plans: Include examples of training plans, performance improvement strategies, or team onboarding processes you have developed or implemented.

• Quality & Compliance Demonstrations: Illustrate how you have ensured adherence to quality standards (e.g., IPC standards) and compliance requirements within a team or operational area.

Process Documentation:

• Emphasis on documenting and managing processes, roles, and responsibilities within the section.

• Joint development of larger organizational processes and roles, indicating a need for understanding and contributing to broader operational frameworks.

• Oversight of shop operations and processes, including process improvements, suggesting a focus on continuous improvement methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should demonstrate not just technical acumen but also leadership and process management capabilities. Operations professionals are expected to have tangible examples of how they've improved processes, managed teams to achieve operational goals, and ensured quality and compliance. This section is crucial for showcasing practical application of operations principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $86,800 - $165,200 USD per year Note: This range is a good faith estimate and may vary based on experience, location, and specific responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Short-term and Long-term disability coverage

• 401(k) with company match

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Flexible work schedules

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employee Scholar Program for continued education

• Parental leave

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime based on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is substantial and reflects a leadership role with significant responsibility, particularly within the defense industry which often offers competitive compensation and benefits due to the specialized nature of the work and security requirements. The broad range suggests flexibility for candidates with varying levels of experience within the specified 5-10 year bracket. The comprehensive benefits package is standard for large, established corporations like RTX.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Technology

Company Size: Large Enterprise (RTX is a major global corporation with over 100 years of experience, employing tens of thousands). This implies a structured environment with established processes and significant resources.

Founded: RTX has a long history, indicating stability and a deep-rooted engineering and manufacturing heritage.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to a Department Leader within the Hardware Engineering department.

• Manages a section of technicians responsible for fabrication, testing, and inspection.

• Collaborates with other ERBS Section Leaders and potentially cross-functional teams (e.g., program management, design engineering).

Methodology:

• Agile Processes: ERBS emphasizes dynamic and agile processes to minimize cycle times and deliver quick-turn solutions.

• Data-Driven Improvement: While not explicitly stated, the focus on process improvement and performance management implies a reliance on data to drive decisions and measure success.

• Collaborative Execution: Fostering teamwork and interdependent execution is a key aspect of the team's operational methodology.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX is a major player in the defense industry, suggesting a culture that values precision, security, innovation, and a mission-driven approach. The ERBS department's role as a bridge between engineering and operations highlights a focus on bridging gaps and enabling rapid product development, a critical function for Go-To-Market (GTM) operations. This environment typically demands strong process discipline and cross-functional collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a foundational leadership position within a technical operations function. It's a step beyond individual contributor roles, focusing on managing a team and operational processes. It can serve as a pathway to more senior operations management roles or specialized technical leadership within manufacturing and engineering support.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to a Department Leader.

• Manages a team of technicians.

Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts the speed and quality of test equipment development and prototyping, which are critical for product validation and release.

• Contributes to the overall efficiency and agility of the ERBS department, enabling faster delivery of solutions to programs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in test equipment development, prototyping, fabrication, and inspection techniques.

• Operational Management: Progress to managing larger teams, multiple sections, or broader operational areas within ERBS or other RTX divisions.

• Program Management: Transition into program management roles, leveraging leadership and project execution skills.

• Process Excellence: Lead initiatives focused on optimizing manufacturing and engineering support processes across the organization.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Move into roles that require closer collaboration with design engineering, supply chain, or quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a clear path for growth from individual contributor to team lead and beyond. The emphasis on process improvement, team management, and technical oversight provides a strong foundation for advancing into more strategic operations leadership positions. The company's size and scope at RTX suggest numerous potential career trajectories.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, likely within a manufacturing facility or engineering laboratory setting.

Office Location(s): 9020 S Rita Rd, Building 9020, Tucson, AZ.

Workspace Context:

• Requires hands-on oversight of shop floor operations, test areas, and inspection stations.

• Involves close interaction with technicians, engineers, and potentially program managers.

• Access to advanced manufacturing equipment, testing apparatus, and inspection tools.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with expectations for flexibility to meet program demands and project deadlines, which may include occasional overtime or adjusted hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the nature of the work (fabrication, testing, inspection) mean this role is deeply embedded in the operational execution. Candidates should be comfortable in a hands-on, facility-based environment, understanding the dynamics of a production or lab setting. This contrasts with purely remote or desk-based operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and security clearance status.

• Technical & Leadership Interview: Assessment of technical knowledge in fabrication, testing, and inspection, alongside leadership experience, process management skills, and problem-solving abilities. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing teams and resolving operational issues.

• Section Leader/Department Manager Interview: Deeper dive into leadership philosophy, strategic thinking, and ability to align with RTX's operational goals.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potentially): Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their experience in process improvement, team leadership, or project management.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of existing Top Secret clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Highlight quantifiable achievements in process improvement, efficiency gains, cost reduction, or quality enhancements. Use metrics wherever possible.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase examples of how you've led teams, motivated individuals, and fostered a productive work environment.

• Process Documentation Clarity: Present clear, concise examples of documented processes, showing your ability to define, refine, and implement operational workflows.

• Problem-Solution-Result Narrative: Structure case studies using a problem, your solution, and the measurable results achieved. Tailor this to fabrication, testing, or inspection challenges.

• Alignment with RTX Values: Connect your experiences and achievements to RTX's stated values (Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to managing difficult team members, resolving production bottlenecks, or addressing quality concerns.

• Practice articulating your leadership style and how you foster continuous improvement within a team.

• Review common IPC standards (J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620) and be ready to discuss their practical application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a Top Secret clearance means the interview process will likely involve rigorous background checks and verification. For operations roles, demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving and process improvement through a portfolio is critical. RTX, as a large defense contractor, will expect candidates to articulate how their leadership and operational skills directly contribute to mission success and project timelines.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): Potentially used for tracking production orders, work-in-progress, and quality data on the shop floor.

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): For managing quality standards, inspection records, and non-conformance reporting.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Likely integrated for managing resources, inventory, and production planning (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Microsoft Project, or internal RTX systems for managing project timelines, tasks, and resources.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Such as Tableau, Power BI, or internal RTX reporting tools for analyzing production data, identifying trends, and creating performance dashboards.

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

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how production and quality data feeds into broader CRM or ERP systems for forecasting and resource allocation is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools might be advantageous for process improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Section Leader in a technical manufacturing/engineering support role, proficiency with shop floor tools, quality systems, and basic data analysis tools is essential. The ability to leverage data from these systems for process improvement and reporting is a key operations skill. The lack of explicit mention of specific CRM/automation tools suggests the focus is on the core manufacturing/engineering operations technology stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountability: Taking ownership of team performance, process adherence, and quality outcomes.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with technicians, engineers, and other departments to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas for process improvements, tooling solutions, and operational efficiencies.

• Respect: Valuing the contributions and expertise of team members and fostering a positive work environment.

• Trust: Building and maintaining trust with team members, leadership, and stakeholders through reliable performance and integrity.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-on Oversight: Active involvement in shop floor activities, providing direct guidance and support.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Close working relationships with design engineering, program management, and potentially supply chain to ensure seamless operations.

• Feedback-Driven: Encouraging open communication and feedback loops within the team and with reporting management to drive continuous improvement.

• Process-Oriented: A strong focus on adhering to and improving established processes as the foundation for reliable operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's stated values (Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation) are integral to their culture. For an operations leader, embodying these values means ensuring fair treatment of team members, fostering an environment where issues can be raised openly, and driving continuous improvement through collaborative efforts. This aligns with operational excellence principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Demanding Schedules with Quality: Meeting tight deadlines for prototyping and test equipment development while maintaining rigorous quality and inspection standards.

• Managing Diverse Technical Skillsets: Leading a team with varying levels of experience and technical expertise in fabrication, assembly, and testing.

• Navigating Security Requirements: Ensuring all team members maintain required security clearances and adhere to strict security protocols.

• Resource Constraints: Effectively managing manpower and tooling resources to meet competing program demands.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of new manufacturing techniques, testing methodologies, and specialized tooling relevant to aerospace and defense.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to gain expertise in specialized fabrication, advanced testing techniques, and specific IPC standards.

• Leadership Development Programs: RTX likely offers programs focused on enhancing management, communication, and strategic planning skills.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Involvement in projects that expose you to different areas of the business, such as design engineering, program management, or quality assurance.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced leaders within Hardware Engineering and ERBS for guidance and career advice.

• Industry Certifications: Potential for support in obtaining relevant industry certifications related to manufacturing, quality, or leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of working in the defense sector. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for individuals looking to build a career in technical operations leadership within a large, established organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Leadership & Management: "Describe a time you had to manage a team through a challenging project with tight deadlines. How did you ensure quality and motivate your team?" (Focus on your approach to resource allocation, communication, and problem-solving.)

• Process Improvement: "Walk me through a process you identified for improvement within a fabrication or testing environment. What steps did you take, and what were the measurable results?" (Prepare a case study with clear metrics.)

• Technical Acumen: "How would you troubleshoot a complex electrical assembly that is failing final inspection or testing?" (Demonstrate your understanding of systematic troubleshooting and relevant quality standards.)

• Team Development: "How do you approach training and developing technicians to ensure they have the necessary skills and can grow within their roles?" (Highlight your mentoring style and approach to skill gap analysis.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in RTX and specifically the ERBS department?" (Research RTX's mission, values, and the ERBS department's role in agile solutions.)

• "How do you align with RTX's values of Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation?" (Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in previous roles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Examples: Choose 2-3 key projects or initiatives that best demonstrate your leadership, process improvement, and technical oversight capabilities.

• Quantify Impact: For each example, clearly state the problem, your solution, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., % reduction in cycle time, % improvement in yield, cost savings).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your presentation logically, focusing on the narrative of challenge, action, and result.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: While presenting, be ready to answer detailed questions about the technical aspects of your examples.

• Showcase Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with others to achieve results.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a role requiring a security clearance will likely involve more scrutiny regarding past conduct and adherence to procedures. Operations candidates should focus on demonstrating structured problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and effective team leadership, all within the context of a highly regulated industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations leadership position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in technical leadership, team management, process improvement, fabrication/testing oversight, and any experience with IPC standards. Quantify achievements with metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of process documentation, case studies on workflow optimization, and examples of team development or quality management initiatives. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Research RTX & ERBS: Understand the company's mission, values, and the specific role of the ERBS department in providing agile engineering support.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common leadership, technical, and behavioral questions, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and incorporating your portfolio examples.

⚠️ 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 and will be a primary factor in the hiring process.