Specialist, Continuous Improvement

L3Harris Technologies; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist for our Fort Wayne, IN site to drive Lean across manufacturing, engineering and quality teams. You will reduce waste, improve process flow and strengthen OE through structured CI methods.

Responsibilities include leading value stream mapping, facilitating Kaizen events, coaching teams, tracking KPIs, and sustaining gains with visual management. Travel 10–20% and U.S. security clearance eligibility required.

Qualifications

• Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence experience in manufacturing, defense, or related environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/related field with 4+ years of experience; or graduate degree with 2+ years; or 8+ years without a degree.
• Lean Certification or Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean implementation 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) with sustainment through visuals and KPIs.
• Provide Lean coaching, training, and mentoring to teams at all levels.
• Establish, track, and analyze KPIs to support OE strategy and drive decisions.

Skills

Lean

Continuous Improvement

Value stream mapping

Kaizen events

Root Cause Analysis

5 Why

PDCA

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Industrial Engineering/Operations Management

Graduate Degree (optional)

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

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist with strong Lean and problem‑driving 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.

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. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.