Lead, Quality Engineer- Automation 1

L3Harris•Camden, VA

15h

About The Position

The Missile Solutions Segment of L3Harris Technologies is seeking an experienced Automation Quality Engineer to support industrial expansion readiness and strategic growth initiatives across the Propulsion Systems sector. The role focuses on automation-related quality engineering for capacity expansion, production ramp-up, manufacturing transitions, and advanced manufacturing implementation. It serves as an interface between Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and site teams to ensure automated manufacturing processes are capable, controlled, and ready to support new and expanded operations. The position emphasizes process performance improvement, variation reduction, and stronger process controls so quality is built into automated production systems. The role requires quality engineering knowledge, manufacturing process understanding, data-driven process improvement experience, and the ability to support cross-site and cross-program initiatives in a fast-paced defense manufacturing environment. Up to 25% business travel is required, and the candidate must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant Quality Engineering experience; or a graduate degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
At least 4 years of experience in automated manufacturing environments.
Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in automated manufacturing and inspection environments, preferably in defense, aerospace, automotive, or similar industries.
Expertise in AI-assisted or otherwise automated inspection and defect detection systems.
Experience with automated manufacturing systems such as PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, machine vision, automated assembly, or test systems.
Ability to work independently and dynamically with minimal oversight while managing multiple and/or changing priorities.
Demonstrated success supporting new product introduction or manufacturing scale-up efforts.
Familiarity with APQP and manufacturing risk management.
Knowledge of Six Sigma and LEAN manufacturing principles.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI.

Responsibilities

Support quality activities for automation-related capacity expansion, industrialization, production ramp-up, and manufacturing transitions across the Propulsion Systems sector.
Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure automated processes are capable, controlled, and ready for production.
Analyze process capability, stability, and failure modes using data-driven methods to improve process performance and robustness.
Develop and implement process controls, error-proofing, and improvement actions for automated manufacturing processes.
Apply and sustain SPC and other quality tools to maintain process performance and reduce variation.
Support APQP activities, PFMEA development, control plans, verification and validation, and production readiness for new or modified automated processes.
Identify gaps in process capability, control, and reliability, and coordinate actions to address them.
Support quality documentation, configuration control, and First Article Inspection (FAI) execution for new or modified automated processes and equipment.
Partner with operators, engineers, and supervisors to improve process understanding, discipline, and ownership.
Provide automation process quality expertise to continuous improvement and cross-functional project teams.
Ensure compliance with AS9100, internal quality management system requirements, and customer-specific quality requirements.