Rapid Prototyping Project Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Rapid Prototyping Project Manager

Company: RTX

Location: Tucson, AZ, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Management / Project Management (Hardware Engineering & Manufacturing)

Date Posted: 2026-05-28

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of rapid prototyping projects within a specialized hardware engineering fabrication shop, ensuring efficient execution from initial estimation through final delivery.

• Drive project planning, resource allocation, and scheduling to meet aggressive customer timelines and cost targets in a dynamic, high-volume, low-mix manufacturing environment.

• Oversee the procurement of raw materials, hardware, and tooling, closely collaborating with internal procurement teams and external suppliers to manage lead times and constraints effectively.

• Facilitate clear and consistent communication between customers, fabrication teams, and shop leadership to address technical challenges, scope creep, and potential schedule deviations proactively.

• Uphold rigorous quality standards through part/project final inspections, ensuring all fabricated components meet drawing specifications and customer requirements before project closeout.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a specialized "Bike Shop" environment, which implies a focus on agility, speed, and direct support for engineering teams in developing and demonstrating solutions. The Project Manager will act as a critical liaison between engineering design and physical fabrication, requiring a blend of project management acumen and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes. The emphasis on "rapid prototyping" and "early demonstration" suggests a need for adaptability and quick turnaround times.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct timely and accurate fabrication task estimations, including labor hours, material costs, and lead times, while identifying potential manufacturability issues and necessary tooling.

• Translate customer needs into actionable project plans, creating project folders, bills of materials (BOMs), and shop travelers within the internal shop floor management system (RAPID).

• Initiate and manage the quoting and ordering process for raw materials, hardware, and machine tools, actively tracking receipts and managing supply chain constraints in coordination with the procurement department.

• Maintain meticulous project oversight by tracking the progress of each component through various shop processes, ensuring adherence to schedules and quality standards.

• Proactively manage project priorities, constraints, and risks, developing and implementing mitigation strategies in collaboration with shop leadership and stakeholders to address technical challenges, scope creep, and schedule slips.

• Perform final inspections of parts and projects, ensuring compliance with fabrication drawings and GD&T specifications before proceeding with project closeout activities.

• Foster strong working relationships with internal customers (engineering teams) and external suppliers, facilitating effective technical communication and negotiation.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of shop operations by identifying opportunities for process optimization, efficiency gains, and enhanced traceability within the RAPID system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to project management within a manufacturing context. The emphasis on the "RAPID" system suggests a need for proficiency in specific shop floor management software. The role requires a balance between strategic planning, operational execution, and interpersonal communication to manage diverse project demands.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in project management, manufacturing operations, or a related field.

• Proven experience in fabrication estimating, including labor hours, material costs, and lead times.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, with a foundational understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Strong knowledge of materials (e.g., metals, plastics), machining processes, plating, and hardware components common in rapid prototyping and advanced manufacturing.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for project documentation, communication, and reporting.

• Experience with shop floor management systems or similar project tracking software (mentioning the internal "RAPID" system is key).

• Excellent technical communication and negotiation skills to effectively interface with engineering teams, procurement, and fabrication personnel.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience using 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) to review designs and understand fabrication feasibility.

• Familiarity with various rapid prototyping technologies and manufacturing techniques.

• Experience working within Department of Defense (DoD) contracting environments and understanding security clearance requirements.

• Knowledge of procurement processes and supply chain management for specialized materials and components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on GD&T and fabrication drawing interpretation, coupled with material and machining process knowledge, indicates that candidates with an engineering or manufacturing background will be highly regarded. The preference for 3D CAD experience suggests that a visual understanding of designs is beneficial for estimating and planning. The security clearance requirement is a critical qualification for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed projects managed from conception to completion, highlighting your role, project scope, challenges faced, and successful outcomes. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence improvements, quality metrics).

• Estimating Examples: Provide sanitized examples of fabrication task estimations, demonstrating your methodology for calculating labor hours, material costs, and lead times. Include how you identified potential manufacturability issues or tooling needs.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Include examples of any processes you improved or implemented within a shop floor or project management context, focusing on efficiency, accuracy, or traceability.

• System Proficiency Showcase: Briefly describe your experience with shop floor management systems or project tracking tools, similar to the internal "RAPID" system. Highlight how you utilized these systems for BOM creation, traveler generation, and traceability.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an ability to create clear and concise project documentation, including work breakdown structures, project schedules, and status reports.

• Showcase understanding of workflow design for manufacturing processes, from initial order entry through fabrication, inspection, and closeout.

• Provide examples of how you have documented or improved manufacturing or project management processes to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, or improve traceability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should strongly emphasize practical application of project management principles within a manufacturing or fabrication setting. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific projects, demonstrate their estimating process, and articulate how they've leveraged systems for operational efficiency. The ability to visually represent processes and project flows will be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $86,800 - $165,200 USD per year.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is provided by RTX and is a good-faith estimate for the Rapid Prototyping Project Manager role, considering all experience levels. The final offer will be determined by factors such as the candidate's specific experience, location, education, skills, and the responsibilities of the role. The broad range suggests significant room for negotiation based on demonstrated expertise and alignment with the company's needs.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Life Insurance coverage.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.

• 401(k) plan with company match.

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

• Flexible Work Schedules may be available, offering some autonomy in managing work hours.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Employee Scholar Program, likely offering opportunities for further education and development.

• Parental Leave to support new parents.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, personal days, and sick leave.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, likely 40 hours per week. Given the "Onsite" designation and the nature of rapid prototyping, flexibility within the standard workday may be expected to meet project deadlines, but a core set of working hours will likely be established.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, typical for a large defense contractor like RTX. The inclusion of an Employee Scholar Program and parental leave indicates a commitment to employee development and work-life balance. The mention of flexible work schedules, while potentially limited by the on-site and rapid prototyping nature of the role, suggests some degree of autonomy in managing daily routines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense. RTX is a major player in defense technology, providing advanced systems and solutions for national security and allied nations. This context implies a culture of high standards, rigorous quality control, and a mission-driven approach.

Company Size: Large enterprise, indicative of established processes, resources, and a structured organizational hierarchy. This size often translates to opportunities for career advancement and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Over 100 years of experience (as per company description). This long history signifies stability, deep expertise, and a culture that values innovation built upon a solid foundation.

Team Structure:

• Hardware Engineering Directorate: The "Bike Shop" operates within this directorate, suggesting a direct reporting line or close collaboration with hardware engineers focused on product development.

• Front-End Team & Shop Leadership: The Project Manager will work closely with these groups, indicating a collaborative structure where operational execution is guided by leadership and customer requirements defined by the front-end teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect to collaborate with procurement, fabrication specialists, quality assurance, and potentially engineering design teams. The Project Manager acts as a central hub connecting these functions for specific projects.

Methodology:

• Rapid Prototyping & Early Demonstration: The core methodology is geared towards speed and iterative development, enabling engineering teams to quickly test and validate concepts.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, the nature of project management and manufacturing at RTX implies a reliance on data for estimating, tracking progress, and making informed decisions regarding resources and schedules.

• Process Optimization: The role's responsibilities suggest a continuous effort to refine workflows for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Bike Shop" designation within RTX suggests a unique operational environment focused on agility and rapid turnaround, contrasting with potentially slower, more traditional large-scale manufacturing. This implies a culture that values speed, problem-solving, and direct impact on product development cycles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Project Manager, requiring significant experience in estimating and managing manufacturing projects. It serves as a critical operational role supporting the engineering lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Project Manager will report to Shop Leadership within the Hardware Engineering Directorate and will work closely with the Front-End team. This indicates a direct line of responsibility for shop operations and project delivery.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the speed and success of new product development by ensuring that prototypes and early demonstrations are fabricated efficiently and to specification. This accelerates the feedback loop for engineering teams, ultimately contributing to faster time-to-market and competitive advantage for RTX. Effective project management here directly influences cost control and resource utilization within the fabrication shop.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Project Management Roles: Progression to managing larger, more complex projects or a portfolio of projects within the Bike Shop or other manufacturing divisions.

• Operations Management: Potential to move into leadership roles overseeing entire fabrication shops, manufacturing lines, or specific operational functions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific manufacturing processes, materials, or rapid prototyping technologies, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead initiatives focused on enhancing shop floor efficiency, implementing new technologies, or optimizing project management methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to transition into roles within procurement, supply chain, engineering management, or program management, leveraging project management experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Rapid Prototyping Project Manager" title, combined with the required experience and responsibilities, places this role firmly in the mid-career to senior-level bracket for operations professionals. Growth potential is strong within a large organization like RTX, with clear pathways into broader operational leadership or specialized technical management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Tucson, AZ. This is a hands-on role requiring physical presence in the fabrication shop and associated office spaces.

Office Location(s): 6880 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ. This specific address points to a dedicated facility for rapid prototyping and fabrication operations.

Workspace Context:

• Fabrication Shop Floor: A significant portion of the work will involve interaction with the physical fabrication environment, including machinery, materials, and production activities. This requires an understanding of shop safety protocols.

• Office Space: Dedicated office areas within or adjacent to the shop for project planning, estimating, documentation, and communication. This space will be equipped with standard office technology.

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent interaction with engineers, technicians, procurement specialists, and leadership. Teamwork and effective communication are paramount.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours/week). However, the nature of rapid prototyping and potential project deadlines may require occasional flexibility in working hours to ensure timely project completion. This could involve working slightly longer days or being available for urgent requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the nature of a fabrication shop mean that candidates should be comfortable working in an industrial environment. While office-based tasks are involved, direct engagement with the shop floor and its personnel is a key aspect of the work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and alignment with company culture.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager focusing on project management experience, estimating skills, technical knowledge (GD&T, materials, processes), and leadership potential. Expect behavioral questions.

• Technical/Team Interview: May involve meeting with other members of the Bike Shop team, fabrication leads, or engineering stakeholders. This stage could include a review of your portfolio and technical assessments.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, methodologies, challenges, and outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your estimating process and system usage.

• Security Clearance Verification: As this role requires a DoD Secret clearance, there will be a formal process to confirm its status and your eligibility.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, highlight metrics such as cost savings, schedule adherence, reduction in lead times, or quality improvements.

• Showcase Estimating Process: Clearly articulate your approach to estimating, including the tools and data you use. Be ready to walk through a sample estimation.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: For each project, describe a significant challenge you faced and how you successfully navigated it, focusing on your decision-making process.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams (engineering, procurement, fabrication) to achieve project goals.

• System Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with project management and shop floor systems, relating them to the RAPID system if possible.

• Tailor to RTX: Research RTX's mission and values, and be prepared to connect your experience to their objectives in the aerospace and defense sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Estimating Exercise: You may be given a fabrication drawing and asked to provide a high-level estimate for labor, materials, and lead time. Practice this with sample drawings.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to answer questions about how you would handle common project management challenges such as scope creep, supplier delays, or technical issues arising during fabrication.

• Process Improvement Proposal: You might be asked to outline how you would approach improving a specific process within the Bike Shop, such as improving estimating accuracy or streamlining material procurement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "DoD Clearance" and "rapid prototyping" suggests that interviewers will be looking for candidates who are not only skilled project managers but also understand the unique demands of defense contracting and fast-paced manufacturing environments. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• RAPID System: The internal shop floor management system is central to this role for project creation, BOM management, traveler generation, and traceability. Proficiency or ability to quickly learn similar systems is essential.

• MS Office Suite: Standard for documentation, communication, and data analysis (Excel for estimating and tracking, Word for reports, PowerPoint for presentations).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel/Spreadsheets: For detailed cost tracking, labor hour analysis, lead time calculations, and performance reporting.

• Internal Reporting Tools: Likely custom or integrated tools within the RAPID system or company ERP for generating project status reports and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• Procurement Systems: Experience with systems used for quoting, ordering, and tracking materials and hardware.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with broader PM tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Jira) can indicate transferable skills, even if the primary system is internal.

• 3D CAD Software (Preferred): Tools like SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD for reviewing engineering designs and understanding manufacturing feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the specific "RAPID" system is highlighted, candidates with experience in any robust shop floor management or ERP system that handles BOMs, work orders, and production tracking will be well-positioned. The ability to quickly adapt to new software is a key asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation: These are RTX's stated values. For this role, expect to see these manifested through:

  • Trust & Respect: Building reliable relationships with fabrication teams and customers.
  • Accountability: Taking ownership of project timelines, costs, and quality.
  • Collaboration: Working seamlessly with diverse internal departments and external partners.
  • Innovation: Contributing ideas for process improvements and solutions within the rapid prototyping context.

• Mission-Driven: A strong sense of purpose tied to supporting national defense and allied security.

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate components that meet stringent aerospace and defense standards.

• Efficiency & Speed: A culture that values quick turnarounds and effective resource utilization in a dynamic prototyping environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role necessitates close partnership with shop leadership, fabrication technicians, engineers, and procurement specialists.

• Proactive Communication: Regular updates, clear articulation of needs, and open dialogue are crucial for managing project flow and resolving issues.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collaborative approach to identifying and resolving technical and logistical challenges that arise during the fabrication process.

• Feedback Integration: A willingness to receive and provide constructive feedback to continuously improve processes and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are broad; for this specific role, their application will be most evident in how the Project Manager executes their daily tasks, interacts with team members, and contributes to the shop's overall efficiency and output. Expect a professional and results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Ensuring rapid turnaround times do not compromise the precision and quality required for aerospace and defense components.

• Managing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements, deadlines, and stakeholders.

• Supply Chain Volatility: Navigating potential delays or constraints in obtaining specialized materials, hardware, or tooling from suppliers.

• Technical Ambiguity: Working with early-stage designs where specifications may evolve, requiring adaptability and close collaboration with engineering.

• Resource Constraints: Optimizing the use of limited fabrication resources (machinery, personnel) to meet demand.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Techniques: Deepen expertise in agile methodologies, risk management, and advanced scheduling within a manufacturing context.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Gain deeper knowledge of specific machining processes, materials science, and additive manufacturing technologies relevant to prototyping.

• System Mastery: Become an expert user of the RAPID system and potentially other integrated enterprise systems at RTX.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior team members or lead process improvement initiatives, paving the way for future management roles.

• Industry Certifications: Potential for RTX to support certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or relevant manufacturing/engineering credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to rapid prototyping and defense contracting. The growth opportunities are substantial within a large organization like RTX, offering clear paths for both technical specialization and broader operational leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for estimating fabrication tasks for a novel prototype. What factors do you consider, and how do you account for uncertainty?" (Focus on methodology, data sources, and risk assessment).

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a project where scope creep occurred. How did you identify it, communicate with stakeholders, and bring the project back on track?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving).

• "Imagine a critical component is delayed by a supplier. What steps would you take to mitigate the impact on the overall project schedule?" (Demonstrate proactive problem-solving and resourcefulness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do RTX's values of Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation align with your own professional approach?" (Connect your experience to their stated values).

• "What interests you about working in the aerospace and defense industry, specifically within a rapid prototyping 'Bike Shop' environment?" (Show enthusiasm for the mission and operational context).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically by project. For each, cover: Project Goal, Your Role, Key Challenges, Actions Taken, and Achieved Outcomes (quantified where possible).

• Highlight Estimating: Dedicate a portion to explaining your estimating methodology, perhaps using a simplified example from your work.

• Showcase System Usage: Explain how you utilized project management or shop floor systems to track progress, manage BOMs, and ensure traceability.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Have ready specific examples related to GD&T, materials, or machining processes that demonstrate your technical understanding.

• Practice Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly, stays within the allotted time, and clearly communicates your value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will likely assess your ability to blend project management discipline with a practical understanding of manufacturing and the specific demands of defense prototyping. Demonstrating a proactive, problem-solving mindset and strong communication skills will be key.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience in fabrication estimating, project management within manufacturing, GD&T, and any experience with shop floor management systems. Prepare a concise portfolio that includes 2-3 key project examples, focusing on your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, specific responsibilities in previous roles, and proficiency with relevant tools and technologies (MS Office, CAD, PM software). Use keywords from the job description such as "Rapid Prototyping," "Fabrication Estimating," "GD&T," and "Project Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common project management and behavioral questions, especially those related to estimating, problem-solving, and stakeholder management. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your understanding of RTX's mission and values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research RTX, its role in the aerospace and defense industry, its core products, and its stated company values. Understand the significance of a DoD Secret clearance and the "Bike Shop" concept within the broader organization.

⚠️ 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.