Specialist, Propellant Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do. L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

The position is located in Orange, VA (near Culpeper, VA, in beautiful, rural Orange County, approximately 1.5 hours from Washington, DC). This site is the center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics development as well as high‑complexity production programs.

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer at the Orange, VA site. Working under general supervision and mentors, the Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer performs manufacturing engineering assignments that require foundational knowledge and understanding of core principles, theories, and concepts in the field.

Responsibilities

• Working under the direction of more senior Manufacturing Engineering staff, and with guidance/support of other Engineering disciplines, support: modernization/automation of processes, tooling improvements, defect identification and resolution, and continuous improvement.
• This includes creating and maintaining detailed manufacturing documentation such as: process hazards/job safety analyses, process flow diagrams and control plans, equipment requirements, process failure modes/effects analyses, MBOMs, routings, process instructions, and work procedures.
• Assist in preparing for and participate in process, tooling, and safety reviews.
• Participate in design reviews and the review of applicable drawings (both product and tooling).
• Interface with internal/external customers and vendors.
• Develop and provide training/guidance to shop floor personnel related to implementation and operation of tooling, equipment, and processes.
• Monitor and review established solid rocket motor manufacturing activities for compliance (Safety and Quality) and assist in analysis/development of solutions to specific manufacturing problems utilizing manufacturing engineering tools/techniques and a systematic approach to identify root causes.
• Implement process improvements to increase operating efficiency.
• Demonstrate problem solving to address product non‑conformance issues and reduce/minimize defects.
• Travel up to 10% of time.
• Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 4 years of prior manufacturing engineering experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior manufacturing engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior manufacturing engineering experience.

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering, or similar major is preferred.
• Experience with energetics/propellant.
• Demonstrated ability in manufacturing and the ability to interpret end item drawings and specifications/requirements.
• Strong problem solving and written/verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and statistical process control tools.
• Prior success in a cross‑functional environment.

Benefits

• Health and disability insurance
• 401(k) match
• Flexible spending accounts
• EAP
• Education assistance
• Parental leave
• Paid time off
• Company‑paid holidays

Pay

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia is $73,000 – $135,000. 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.

Schedule

Job Schedule: 4/10: Employees work 10 hour days, 4 days a week