Associate Manager, Operations - Space Hardware Manufacturing

L3Harris•Wilmington, NC

3d•$88,000 - $164,000

About The Position

The L3Harris Space Superiority/Imaging Division site in Wilmington, MA designs and produces space ‑ based optical telescopes for small satellites. We build advanced optical systems for commercial and government customers , including NASA. Notably, this site designed and built the telescope for NASA ’ s New Horizons spacecraft, which captured the first close ‑ up images of Pluto and several outer moons ( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/images/index.html ). There are many other interesting missions that this business has supported and continues supporting! We’re hiring a result-oriented Associate Manager of Operations to lead a diverse technician organization and help turn advanced designs into flight-ready hardware. In this high-impact role, you’ll influence manufacturing strategy, drive operational excellence, and grow a high-performing team that takes pride in building hardware destined for orbit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, or Business with a minimum of 6 years prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
Previous experience in manufacturing, ideally in product development or New Product Introduction (NPI)
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance

Nice To Haves

Active U.S. Security Clearance
Experience managing assembly operations with optics or high‑precision hardware
Machine shop leadership experience
Strong communicator with the ability to present complex operations and technical data to leadership
Lean/Six Sigma experience with a proven track record of process improvement
Passion for driving innovation, safety, and continuous improvement
Demonstrated leadership or management

Responsibilities

Be the leader: Lead and develop a team of 30+ technicians across multiple disciplines, ensuring strong performance, engagement, and career growth
Manage technician support across final assembly and test operations. Coordinate with programs to align labor and resources to meet program milestones
Oversee daily operations in our Machine Shop, Paint Shop, Vacuum Bakeout, and other areas. Set clear priorities and ensure efficient, high-quality output
Manage skills matrices, training plans, hiring needs, and long-term workforce development to support future mission requirements
Safety & Quality are paramount: Champion a “safety-first” culture by driving proactive improvements, leading investigations, and embedding safety as a fundamental value
Drive exceptional quality standards. Help the team learn from mistakes by leading RCCA efforts and converting challenges into sustainable process improvements
Improve every day: Lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives that reduce waste, shorten cycle times, and elevate overall manufacturing performance
Data driven management: Use data and KPIs to guide decision-making, maintain performance visibility, and implement recovery actions when needed
Be the consummate teammate: Partner with other L3Harris functions and sites to coordinate work, optimize capacity, and leverage enterprise capabilities
Communicate clearly: Ensure crisp communication across programs and teams, maintaining alignment with site-wide objectives