Lead, Composite Manufacturing Engineer

L3Harris Technologies; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Huntsville, AL seeks a Lead, Composite Manufacturing Engineer for our new Advanced Manufacturing Facility to oversee inert fabrication and assembly of composite rocket motor hardware. The role requires SME-level expertise, project management, and leadership to drive cost-effective process improvements, mentor engineers, and ensure safety and quality standards across complex operations.

Travel up to 10% may be required; ability to obtain US Secret Security Clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 9+ years of composite engineering experience.
• Graduate Degree and 7+ years of composite engineering experience.
• In lieu of a degree, 13+ years of composite engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Champion process improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Lead transition efforts for programs moving to Huntsville.
• Train and mentor less experienced engineers on manufacturing processes.
• Provide in-depth technical knowledge on manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials.
• Stay updated with advancements in manufacturing technology and best practices.
• Evaluate and recommend new equipment and technologies to improve capabilities.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing issues and bottlenecks.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Mentor engineers

Problem solving

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field

Graduate Degree (MS/PhD)

Tools

CAD modeling

Robots operation

CNC machines

Autoclaves

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, Composite Manufacturing Engineer

Job Code: 42581

Job Location: Huntsville, AL- AMF South

Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week

Job Description:

We are seeking a Lead, Composite Manufacturing Engineer to work at our new state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Facility (AMF) in Huntsville, AL, which will be our inert manufacturing facility for fabrication and assembly of composite rocket motor hardware.

The Lead, Composite Manufacturing Engineer is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with comprehensive knowledge of job area and in-depth knowledge of project management. They manage large, complex project initiatives of substantial importance to the organization with minimal oversight or direction. They communicate within and outside of the organization to explain and influence changes to practices, processes and approaches. They make significant improvements in processes, systems, or products, and provide input into new products/processes to implement operational plans that have measurable impact on business or functional results.

This is a dynamic team that requires motivated, self-starting individuals with hands-on experience. Manufacturing Engineers lead process management activities and create associated documentation for their assigned processes. They must be able to follow company procedures and requirements for the manufacture of advanced, man-rated, and high value aerospace hardware.

Essential Functions:

• Champion process improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Lead transition efforts for programs moving from other L3Harris facilities to Huntsville.
• Train and mentor less experienced engineers on manufacturing processes and best practices.
• Provide in-depth technical knowledge and guidance on manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in manufacturing technology and industry best practices.
• Evaluate and recommend new equipment and technologies to improve manufacturing capabilities.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve manufacturing issues and bottlenecks.
• Perform investigations of nonconforming hardware and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality or efficiency.
• Ensure that manufacturing processes adhere to safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Create detailed work instructions, procedures, PFMEAs, and JSAs that meet design, process, quality, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Provide shop floor support of advanced composite manufacturing processes.
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications in support of developing robust and advanced part and tooling designs.
• Present fabrication processes at customer readiness reviews and present process changes to customers at change board meetings.
• Travel: 10% travel may be required to support suppliers or other manufacturing sites.
• Occasional off-shift and weekend work required to support manufacturing schedules.
• Ability to obtain US Secret Security Clearance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior composite engineering experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior composite engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior composite engineering experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Hand layup and cure of insulation, composite and/or other materials.
• Experience writing specifications for new pieces of equipment.
• Strong GD&T background supporting part validation.
• CAD modeling experience.
• Surface preparation for primary substrates to bond rubber or composite materials.
• Precision assembly of aerospace hardware.
• Experience with operation of robots, presses, ovens, winders, CNC machines, cutting tables and/or autoclaves.
• Knowledge of composite materials, including the behavior of different fibers (carbon, glass, aramid) and resin systems.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Adaptable to a changing work environment.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

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