Manufacturing Engineering Manager: Defense Tech Leader

L3Harris Technologies; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 116,500 - 216,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and disability insurance

401(k) match

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company holidays

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Northampton, MA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a cross-functional team of manufacturing, optical, and process engineers within Maritime Imaging Programs. This role focuses on optimizing manufacturing and assembly processes, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with defense industry standards and ITAR.

You will partner with R&D, Design Engineering, and NPI to drive DFM/DFT, PFMEA, and phase gate closures from kickoff to Production Readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with minimum 9 years related experience or Graduate Degree with minimum 7 years 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 methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).
• ERP experience including master data management; SAP S/4HANA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Hire, mentor, and direct a high-performing team of manufacturing, optical, and process engineers.
• Oversee 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); own PFMEA and control plans.
• Drive phase gate closure from Program Kickoff through Production Readiness Review.
• Enforce ITAR, EAR, and ISO 9001 standards for microelectronics and high-reliability defense systems.
• Collaborate with site leadership to cost-justify and source specialized capital equipment; manage upgrades and facility changes.
• Partner with New Product Development (NPI) to ensure DFM, and collaborate with Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes meet regulatory compliance and safety protocols; drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

Manufacturing engineering

Lean Six Sigma

DFM/DFT collaboration

PFMEA ownership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Graduate Degree

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

ERP systems

Job description

L3Harris Technologies in Northampton, MA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a cross-functional team of manufacturing, optical, and process engineers within Maritime Imaging Programs. This role focuses on optimizing manufacturing and assembly processes, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with defense industry standards and ITAR.

You will partner with R&D, Design Engineering, and NPI to drive DFM/DFT, PFMEA, and phase gate closures from kickoff to Production Readiness.