Lead Project Engineer — New Manufacturing Line Launch

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies seeks a Lead Project Engineer to drive setup, launch, and optimization of new manufacturing lines at a Huntsville facility. You will own process layout, equipment selection, and RCCA while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enable scalable production for defense programs.

The role demands hands‑on engineering leadership, experience with non‑conformances, and a strong grasp of manufacturing and design principles. Security clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant Project Engineering experience; OR Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related Project Engineering experience; OR In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related Project Engineering experience.
• Experience in setting up, launching, or scaling new manufacturing lines or facilities.
• Proficient in CAD, GD&T, analysis, or materials.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to quickly assess complex problems, make decisions, and drive closure.
• Previous experience working root cause and non-conformances.
• Previous experience in project, materials, process, manufacturing, and/or integration/test engineering.
• Previous experience designing and testing new equipment, processes, procedures, and systems.
• Six-Sigma Certification.
• Use of AI: Experience utilizing artificial intelligence tools and techniques to rapidly analyze data, model processes, predict outcomes, identify patterns, and support the disposition of hardware.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical leader in the setup, launch, and optimization of new manufacturing lines, including equipment selection, process layout, and workflow design.
• Under general direction, determine approaches to objectives, demonstrating a complete understanding and application of principles, concepts, and practices.
• Real-time WIP NC prioritization – repair, scrap evaluation, and functional coordination.
• Real-time process optimization and yield improvement support – minimize waste and optimize resource utilization.
• Provide factory-specific technical inputs enabling root cause and corrective action and sector systemic learning.
• Assist in designing and testing new equipment, processes, procedures, and systems, with a focus on scalability and manufacturability.
• Work on site in Huntsville supporting critical production programs and the establishment of new production capabilities.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all design and manufacturing aspects of assigned programs.
• Assess non-conformances to determine immediate action (UAI, rework, scrap, etc.) to keep production moving.
• Serve as Engineering Responsible Authority on RCCA, closely partnering with the Quality organization.
• Manage required engineering analysis support to inform “Design Engineering” dispositions.
• Represent the AL Material Review Board processes.
• Understand pertinent codes, rules, and regulations related to areas of engineering assignments.
• Use engineering test equipment, CAD, and computer applications with various office and engineering software.
• Adhere to Systems Engineering principles in requirements and risk & opportunity management.
• Familiarity with standard engineering tools and practices.
• Understand theories, principles, and practices of engineering and project management methods.
• Understand rocket propulsion components and theory of operation.
• Understand safety regulations, principles, and practices of work safety.
• Ability to obtain a US Secret Security Clearance.

Skills

Manufacturing line setup & scaling

Problem solving

Root cause analysis

Project management

AI analytics in manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Graduate Degree in Engineering

13+ years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

CAD

GD&T

Analysis software

Materials analysis

Job description

L3Harris Technologies seeks a Lead Project Engineer to drive setup, launch, and optimization of new manufacturing lines at a Huntsville facility. You will own process layout, equipment selection, and RCCA while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enable scalable production for defense programs.

The role demands hands‑on engineering leadership, experience with non‑conformances, and a strong grasp of manufacturing and design principles. Security clearance may be required.