Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer- Automation

L3Harris Technologies; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Senior Specialist in Automation Engineering to drive automation initiatives across solid rocket motor manufacturing. You will design, implement, and maintain automated systems, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure safe, efficient production.

Expect travel up to 15% and potential security clearance. The role emphasizes a strong background in robotic cells, PLC/HMI programming, and integration with manufacturing systems, with responsibilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; 6+ years in automation/manufacturing engineering, or a graduate degree with 4+ years
• Experience with automation systems design and sustainment for robotic cells and custom automation solutions
• Experience programming PLCs, HMIs, and motion controls, plus integration with manufacturing systems

Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes to identify improvement opportunities and reduce costs
• Design and implement manufacturing technology to optimize throughput and cycle time
• Develop work standards, time studies, and ergonomic analyses for manufacturing operations
• Troubleshoot and maintain automation and robotics systems
• Support new product development for manufacturability and scalability
• Lead automation projects from requirements through validation and production transfer
• Create and maintain process documentation including flows and SOPs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for new product introduction and equipment validation

Skills

Robotics systems

PLC programming

HMI programming

VFDs

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Graduate degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Fanuc robotics

Ignition

Inductive Automation IGNITION

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:

Senior Specialist, Automation Engineer

Job Code:

45009

Job Location:

Huntsville, AL- AMF South

Job Schedule:

4/10: Employees work 10 hour days 4 days a week

Job Description:

The Advanced Operations Technology (AOT) organization is seeking an experienced Sr. Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer- Automation to support engineering and production operations, focusing on the automated equipment lifecycle for solid rocket motor manufacturing at our Huntsville, AL facility.

The selected candidate will work with the manufacturing and facility teams to develop, implement, and maintain automation solutions to improve manufacturing capability, effectiveness, and employee safety.

The AOT organization works with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities in the manufacturing process, draft technical requirements and craft solutions which align with the organization’s vision for manufacturing modernization. This requires motivated, self-starting individuals with a passion for technical creativity and the ability to work with others to achieve results. Furthermore, the Sr Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer will lead the automation solutions through project management activities, developing requirements, working with key suppliers, testing the automation, and transitioning the solution to production.

Essential Functions:

• Partner with site leadership and staff to analyze production process and workstreams to identify areas for improvement and recommend solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs through the introduction of manufacturing technology.
• Design and implement manufacturing technology, optimizing throughput and improving operational cycle time
• Partner with industrial and manufacturing engineers to develop work standards, time studies, and ergonomic analyses to support manufacturing operations.
• Troubleshoot and maintain custom automation and robotics systems
• Process optimization to ensure safety, quality, and productivity.
• Monitor and report on process performance, utilizing data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct root cause analysis to identify and resolve AOT production issues, working closely with quality assurance and operations teams.
• Provide technical support for new product development, ensuring manufacturability and scalability of designs.
• Support the creation and maintenance of process documentation including process flows, and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to support new product introduction and equipment validation.
• Ability to obtain US Secret Security Clearance.
• Travel: 15%.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior Automation/Manufacturing Engineering experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior Automation/Manufacturing Engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior Automation/Manufacturing Engineering experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, chemical or related engineering discipline is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of automation systems design/sustainment involving robotic cells, custom automation solutions, vision systems, motion control or testing solutions.
• Experience programming and sustaining control systems involving PLC, HMI’s, VFDs, etc.
• Experience developing statements or work and functional requirements specification documents.
• Ability to read electrical design schematics.
• Experience in integrating automation systems with business and manufacturing systems.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience programming Fanuc robotics systems and simulations.
• Experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Experience programming Inductive Automation IGNITION.
• Experience managing automation integrators.
• Experience with automated spray solutions.

LI-HW1

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.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer.