Principal, Quality Engineering- AI Lead
About The Position
L3Harris Missile Solutions is seeking a Leader for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Quality to develop and execute the segment’s strategy for AI/ML governance, verification, and validation. Reporting to the Director of Quality Engineering, this role defines quality frameworks ensuring AI/ML models, computer vision systems, and automated inspection technologies meet mission-critical requirements. The position partners closely with Executive Leadership, Data Science, Software Engineering, Operations, and site Quality teams to support the safe deployment and lifecycle management of AI-enabled tools. The ideal candidate brings experience implementing quality processes for software-intensive or AI-driven systems and leading cross-functional technical initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or related technical field with 12 years of prior relevant experience; OR Graduate Degree with 10 years of prior related experience; OR in lieu of a degree, 16 years of related experience.
- Minimum 3 years of experience leading technical projects, cross-functional initiatives, or engineering teams.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in verification, validation, testing, or quality management of software-intensive systems, AI/ML models, or analytics pipelines.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in manufacturing or quality in defense, aerospace, automotive, or similar industries.
- Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.
- ASQ CSQE or CQE certification.
- Training or certification in AI governance or trustworthy AI frameworks.
- Experience with data validation frameworks for drift and anomaly detection.
- Familiarity with quality flow-down requirements for prime defense contractors.
- Understanding of APQP, manufacturing risk management, Six Sigma, and LEAN principles.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement AI/ML quality strategies and validation frameworks to assess model and software behavior across Missile Solutions applications.
- Establish and maintain data governance practices, including data quality controls, labeling accuracy, drift monitoring, and bias prevention.
- Define measurable performance metrics and acceptance criteria for AI applied to mission-critical or defect-detection systems.
- Lead verification and validation (V&V) activities for AI/ML models, including adversarial testing, stress testing, and edge-case simulation.
- Adapt traditional quality and risk tools to intelligent systems, including FMEA development and mitigation planning for machine-learning-specific failure modes.
- Oversee quality frameworks for automated inspection systems, including validation of sensor calibration, metrology data ingestion, and synthetic data pipelines.
- Govern post-deployment quality practices such as regression testing, drift thresholds, and monitoring/retraining workflows.
- Align internal AI engineering practices with emerging standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 42001, NIST AI RMF).
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, internal quality systems, and customer-specific quality requirements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
- Up to 30% travel may be required.
Benefits
- health and disability insurance
- 401(k) match
- flexible spending accounts
- EAP
- education assistance
- parental leave
- paid time off
- company-paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
