Optics Manufacturing Engineering Manager

L3HHCM20•Town of Gates, NY

6d•$101,500 - $188,500•Onsite

About The Position

L3Harris’s Optics department in Rochester, NY is seeking a dedicated Optics Manufacturing Engineering Manager to support the production of top-tier optical components for advanced astronomical, high-energy laser, and earth imaging applications. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will lead the department’s Technical Leads and Optical Process Engineers supporting optical manufacturing operations. This role is ideal for a hands-on people leader who enjoys developing technical talent, setting clear priorities, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and driving strong execution. The manager will provide both team leadership and direct technical contributions to improve process discipline, production support, manufacturing readiness, and business performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years prior related experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading technical teams in high-mix, complex manufacturing environments.
Background in optics, precision machining, polishing, metrology, CNC, or process engineering.
Ability to balance people leadership with hands on technical ownership.
Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action skills.
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, process control, or continuous improvement.
Strong cross-functional leadership across Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Program Management.
Experience improving standard work, documentation, training, and manufacturing readiness.
Comprehensive knowledge in manufacturing engineering responsibilities include production support, non-recurring activities, and capital investment.

Responsibilities

Lead Technical Leads and Optical Process Engineers in support of optical manufacturing.
Coach, develop, and manage performance for a technical team of 15-20 engineers.
Set priorities for production support, process improvement, troubleshooting, and technical execution.
Maintain direct technical responsibility as a Technical Lead or Optical Process Engineering contributor.
Support complex manufacturing issues through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
Ensure engineering activities align with safety, quality, delivery, cost, and program requirements.
Partner with Operations, Quality, Program Management, Design Engineering, Metrology, and Supply Chain.
Strengthen process discipline through standard work, work instructions, and procedure adherence.
Build team capability through mentoring, cross-training, succession planning, and knowledge transfer.
Communicate risks, resource needs, priorities, and recovery plans to leadership.