Level 3 Communications, Inc

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Level 3 Communications, Inc$116K — $216K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree with 9+ years or Graduate Degree with 7+ years in a related field.
  • 3+ years managing engineering teams in aerospace or defense manufacturing.
  • Ability to obtain Secret Clearance.
  • Familiarity with continuous improvement methods and root cause analysis.
  • Experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP 4 Hana.
  • Understanding of Program Lifecycle Management and Manufacturing Readiness Levels.

Responsibilities

  • Hire and mentor a team of engineers while setting performance metrics.
  • Oversee optimization of precision manufacturing processes.
  • Collaborate with R&D on Design for Manufacturability and Test initiatives.
  • Drive phase gate process closure from project kickoff to production readiness.
  • Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, and ISO 9001 standards.
  • Manage equipment upgrades, automation projects, and facility layout changes.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency.

Benefits

  • Health and disability insurance.
  • 401(k) match.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Education assistance.
  • Parental leave.
  • Paid time off and company-paid holidays.
Full Job Description
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.

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