Associate Director, Program Engagement Leader

Date Posted:

2026-04-02

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-REMOTE

Position Role Type:

Remote

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Collins Digital Technology is seeking an experienced and influential Associate Director to lead and develop a high‑performing team of Program Engagement Leads (PELs). In this role, you will provide strategic direction and decisive leadership in establishing and supporting secure program work environments (PWEs) that enable engineering teams to meet critical contractual commitments.

**This is a Remote position that requires a DoD Security Clearance with 25% Travel**

What YOU will do:

• You will oversee team operations and implement performance‑driven processes to ensure on‑time delivery, financial accuracy, and effective risk management aligned with customer and business objectives.

• You will partner closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams to shape planning, drive process and technology improvement.

• You will guide people‑management initiatives across all phases of the PWE lifecycle.

• This position requires a strong leadership presence, demonstrated business acumen, and the ability to influence and communicate.

• You will collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization to advance innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications YOU Must Have:

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience.

• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

• Active Secret/Top Secret Clearance demonstrating readiness to lead within secured program environments.

• Experience managing digital technology initiatives and leading project management teams in secured program environments, with a record of improving delivery performance, operational efficiency, and cross‑functional coordination.

• Effective executive presence and influential leadership capabilities with the ability to interact with senior levels of leadership including customer, teammates, and stakeholders.   

• Proven ability to build and lead high‑performing teams through strong organizational skills, strategic problem‑solving, and the ability to anticipate needs and implement solutions that drive measurable improvement.

• Demonstrated expertise in managing project financials and workforce planning, ensuring accurate forecasting, optimized resource allocation, and accountability across teams.

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to earn stakeholder trust quickly, motivate diverse teams, and drive scope, schedule, and financial alignment across programs.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels and clearly convey strategy, expectations, and performance outcomes.

• Advanced critical‑thinking and innovation‑driven problem‑solving skills, applied to improve processes, reduce operational barriers, and achieve organizational performance targets.

• Experience with waterfall and agile delivery methodologies, applying the appropriate project frameworks to improve predictability, adaptability, and team performance.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience leading teams or programs in government, engineering, or manufacturing environments, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex, regulated operational landscapes.

• Success managing cross‑functional initiatives across Operations, Engineering, and other domains, influencing diverse stakeholder groups to achieve shared goals.

• Expertise in financial planning, business case analysis, Earned Value Management, and ROI evaluation to guide decisions that strengthen program health and organizational performance.

• Knowledge of SOWs, BOEs, ROMs,