Lean & Continuous Improvement Specialist — Space Ops

L3Harris Technologies; Wilmington (MA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Education assistance

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Wilmington, MA seeks a highly skilled Continuous Improvement Specialist with Lean and problem-solving abilities to drive efficiency and reduce waste on Space Sector operations. This hands-on role requires leading Lean implementations, value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and coaching across manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams.

Candidates should have a BS in Engineering or related field with 4+ years of experience (or 8+ years without degree), ability to obtain

Qualifications

• Experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence within manufacturing, engineering, defense, aerospace, or similar environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience; a Graduate Degree with 2+ years of related experience; or 8+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.
• Ability to travel approximately 10-20% to support cross-site CI initiatives, kaizen events, training, and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of Lean principles across the Wilmington site, partnering with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and program teams.
• Conduct value stream mapping to identify waste and prioritize opportunities.
• Plan and facilitate Kaizen events (shop floor and transactional), ensuring sustainment through visuals, KPIs, and ownership structures.
• Provide Lean coaching, training, and mentoring to teams at all levels.
• Establish, track, and analyze KPIs to support OE strategy and drive decision‑making.
• Apply structured problem-solving tools including Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why, Fishbone, and PDCA.
• Manage CI projects end‑to‑end, ensuring alignment with Space strategic goals.
• Develop, update, and implement standard work across operational areas.
• Partner with leadership to support change management, ensuring adoption and long‑term sustainment.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities through process optimization and waste elimination.
• Support execution of Space Sector Operational Excellence roadmap and strategic objectives.

Skills

Lean

Continuous Improvement

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/related field

Graduate degree with 2+ years of related experience

8+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree

Job description

L3Harris Technologies in Wilmington, MA seeks a highly skilled Continuous Improvement Specialist with Lean and problem-solving abilities to drive efficiency and reduce waste on Space Sector operations. This hands-on role requires leading Lean implementations, value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and coaching across manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams.

Candidates should have a BS in Engineering or related field with 4+ years of experience (or 8+ years without degree), ability to obtain