Lead, Supplier Development Engineer

L3Harris Technologies is a defense technology company delivering end-to-end solutions across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains for national security missions. The Lead Supplier Development Engineer serves as the primary technical liaison between internal engineering teams and critical suppliers, evaluating capabilities, driving process improvements, resolving technical issues, and supporting new product and process development.

Responsibilities:

• Communicate, interpret, and translate complex Technical Data Packages (TDPs) and drawing requirements for suppliers
• Lead supplier engagements to assess manufacturing capability, capacity, and technical risks
• Oversee and resolve nonconforming product issues, including leading Material Review Board (MRB) activities
• Implement root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive measures to improve supplier processes and reduce defects
• Manage supplier product and process changes, including those supporting production ramp‑up
• Perform technical evaluations of supplier proposals to support cost and price analysis
• Partner with internal Design, Project, and Manufacturing Engineering; Supplier Quality; and Subcontracts teams to resolve technical challenges impacting yield, quality, and schedule
• Report supplier technical health, risks, and performance metrics to internal stakeholders
• Field-based role with travel requirements ranging from 25%–75%, depending on supplier location

Requirements:

• • Bachelor's Degree with 9 years of related engineering or supplier development experience; OR Graduate Degree with 7 years of related experience; OR In lieu of a degree, 13 years of supplier development, manufacturing engineering, or technical experience
• • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• • Field-based role with travel requirements ranging from 25%–75%, depending on supplier location
• • Experience with DMAIC, 8D, Ishikawa, 5 Whys, and Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA)
• • Proficiency with engineering software and Microsoft Office 365
• • Knowledge of advanced aerospace materials including composites, refractory/high‑temperature materials, elastomers, and Thermal Protection Systems (TPS)
• • Strong GD&T knowledge for design evaluation and drawing interpretation
• • Lean Green Belt or Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• • Ability to use data analytics and emerging digital tools, including AI‑enabled solutions, for enhanced problem solving
• • Ability to mentor suppliers and cross-functional teams
• • Experience with Solid Rocket Motors (SRM), Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS), or missile defense systems
• • Strong communication skills, including preparation of supplier health reports and technical presentations
• • Ability to lead supplier technical discussions, working sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives