Specialist, Continuous Improvement

Harris Geospatial Solutions; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Fort Wayne, IN is seeking a skilled Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive Lean initiatives across the site. You will lead value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and coaching to improve process flow and reduce waste, while supporting an OE roadmap and KPI-driven decisions.

The ideal candidate has strong problem-solving skills, a background in manufacturing or defense environments, and the ability to travel ~10-20% as needed, with eligibility for a U.S.

Qualifications

• Experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence within manufacturing, engineering, defense, aerospace, or similar environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field with minimum 4 years of relevant experience; graduate degree with 2+ years, or 8+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean principles across the Fort Wayne site with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and programs.
• Conduct value stream mapping to identify waste and opportunities.
• Plan and facilitate Kaizen events; ensure sustainment with visuals and KPIs.
• Provide Lean coaching and mentoring at all levels.
• Establish, track, and analyze KPIs to support OE strategy and decision-making.
• Apply Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why, Fishbone, and PDCA for problem solving.
• Manage CI projects end-to-end aligned with Space strategic goals.
• Develop and implement standard work across operations.
• Support change management to ensure adoption and sustainment.

Skills

Lean

Continuous Improvement

Operational Excellence

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

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: Specialist, Continuous Improvement

Job Code: 44386

Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist with strong Lean and problem‑solving capabilities to support Space Sector operations in Fort Wayne, IN. This role focuses on driving efficiency, improving process flow, reducing waste, and strengthening overall operational performance through structured CI methodologies. The ideal candidate is hands‑on, data‑driven, and capable of influencing across functions to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Functions:

• Lead implementation of Lean principles across the Fort Wayne 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.
• Ability to travel approximately 10-20% to support cross-site CI initiatives, kaizen events, training, and engagement.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

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 a minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Lean Certification or Six Sigma Green Belt and/or Black Belt.
• Industrial Engineering or Process Engineering background.

#LI-NB1

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.