Manufacturing Engineering Manager 1

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 217,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Northampton, MA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a team of manufacturing, optical, and process engineers across Maritime Imaging programs, directing resources to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve quality.

This role bridges R&D, NPI, and high-reliability, classified production lines, requiring collaboration with Design Engineering and NPI to ensure manufacturability and robust PFMEA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree with significant related experience.
• Proven track record leading manufacturing/engineering teams in defense or high-tech environment.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement and root-cause analysis.
• Familiarity with SAP/ERP and master data management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of manufacturing, optical, and process engineers and set performance metrics.
• Oversee precision manufacturing processes, including optical alignment and testing.
• Collaborate with R&D and Design Engineering on DFM/DFT and PFMEA; drive phase gate closures.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, ISO 9001, and AS9100 for defense/high-reliability production.
• Drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste and improve throughput.

Skills

Secret Clearance eligibility

People management

Continuous improvement

Program Lifecycle Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree + 9+ years experience or Graduate Degree + 7+ years experience

Tools

SAP / ERP

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: Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Job Code: MFM5

Job Location: Northampton, MA 01053

Job Schedule: FT Regular

Job Description:

L3Harris’ Maritime Imaging Business is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a team of Manufacturing Engineers across a variety of Maritime Imaging Programs. In this role the Manufacturing Engineering Manager directs production and development manufacturing engineering resources to optimize manufacturing & assembly processes, reduce costs, and improve quality. This role requires a blend of advanced technical precision with strict defense industry compliance frameworks. The position bridges the gap between R&D, New Product Introduction (NPI), and high-reliability, classified production lines.

Essential Functions

• Hire, mentor, and direct a high-performing team of manufacturing, optical, and process engineers. Establish performance metrics to align engineering activities with strict program delivery schedules.
• Oversee the development and optimization of precision manufacturing processes, including optical alignment, electro-mechanical assembly and advanced testing processes.

• Partner with R&D and Design Engineering to contribute toward Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) for optoelectronic systems. Own the Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and control plans.
• Contribute to and direct team to drive phase gate process closure from Program Kickoff through Production Readiness Review.
• Enforce exact compliance with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), EAR, and security guidelines. Ensure the production line adheres to ISO 9001 standards for microelectronics and high-reliability defense systems.
• Collaborate with site leadership to evaluate, cost-justify, and source specialized capital equipment needed to meet forecasted demand. Manage capital equipment upgrades, automation projects, and facility layout changes from concept to implementation.
• Partner with New Product Development (NPI) to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and collaborate with Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes meet regulatory compliance, industry standards (e.g., ISO, AS9100), and strict safety protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma) to eliminate waste, optimize workflows, and improve throughput.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree with minimum 9 years prior related experience or Graduate Degree with minimum 7 years of prior related experience.
• 3+ years directly managing engineering personnel in an aerospace, defense, or highly technical product manufacturing / assembly environment.
• Ability to obtain Secret Clearance.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement and root cause corrective action methodologies.
• ERP experience to include master data management within ERP system. SAP 4 Hana preferred.
• Knowledge of Program Lifecycle Management and related Manufacturing Readiness Level concepts.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role is $116,500-216,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer.