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Chief Engineer – Missionization and Sustainment (M&S) Business Area

Waco, Texas
Full Time On-site

The Business Area Chief Engineer for Missionization and Sustainment (M&S) Programs plays an essential role in overseeing and guiding the technical and engineering aspects of programs within the M&S business area. This role involves strategic planning and management to ensure that all Business Area Programs technical activities are to the highest standards. The Chief Engineer is responsible for leading cross-functional teams, managing complex engineering challenges, and ensuring that all projects meet all requirements while optimizing performance and cost-efficiency. The Business Area Chief Engineer will lead, oversee, and direct all engineering activities related to all aircraft modifications and engineering activities within the business area. This includes, but is not limited to the cost, schedule, and technical management of multiple air vehicle modification and modernization programs, pursuits, and special projects. The Chief Engineer will collaborate with various departments, including program management, operations, and customer support, to ensure that modifications meet Company standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications. This position reports to the Director of Engineering for the Missionization & Modification Division within the ISR Sector.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Leadership:

  • Develop and implement engineering strategies and roadmaps for aircraft modifications and non-recurring engineering projects.
  • Align engineering objectives with business goals and ensure effective communication of engineering strategies across the business area.
  • Actively participate in strategic and business aspects of the MMG Engineering Division.
  • Provide top-level support for proposal generation, Earned Value Management, estimates-to-complete, high-level customer interface, Business Area organizational development, strategic planning, product and technology roadmaps.

Technical Oversight:

  • Provide technical leadership and oversight for all modification and non-recurring engineering projects, ensuring adherence to best practices, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Review and approve engineering proposals, designs, modifications, and solutions to ensure technical feasibility and compliance.
  • Program Technical Leadership:
  • Lead and manage engineering projects from conception through execution, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meeting all technical requirements.
  • Coordinate with program managers and other stakeholders to define project requirements, scope, and deliverables.

Team Management:

  • Build, mentor, and manage high-performing engineering teams on Business Area Programs fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that encourages continuous improvement and technical excellence through use of metrics

Customer Engagement:

  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers regarding modifications and engineering projects.
  • Address customer requirements, provide technical solutions, and ensure customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving.
  • Effectively communicate with internal & external customers and manage expectations.

Compliance and Risk Management:

  • Ensure all engineering activities comply with relevant aviation regulations, industry standards, and internal policies and procedures.
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with modification projects and engineering processes.

Innovation and Improvement:

  • Drive innovation by researching and implementing new technologies and engineering practices that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of modification projects.
  • Establish performance expectations, methods, and tools for Business Area Programs
  • Continuously assess and improve engineering processes and methodologies.
  • Budget and Resource Management:
  • Develop and manage budgets for Business Area engineering projects, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and cost control.
  • Monitor project expenditures and adjust plans as necessary to stay within budget.

This role may require occasional travel to client sites or other company locations.

Must be a US Citizen in order to obtain a DoD Security Clearance.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (e.g., mechcanical, aerospace, electrical) and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
  • In-depth knowledge of Aerospace Engineering principles, aircraft systems, and aircraft modification processes.
  • Experience with FAA (STC) and Military (MTC) certification activities.
  • Proficient in risk identification, risk analysis and mitigation planning.
  • Proficient in leading root cause analysis, troubleshooting complex technical situations, and leading continuous improvement efforts.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Proficient in leading root cause analysis, troubleshooting complex technical
  • Strong project management skills, with experience in managing complex engineering projects.
  • Excellent leadership, communications, and team management abilities.
  • Proven ability to engage with customers and stakeholders effectively.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
  • Proficient in people management and team building.
  • Demonstrated understanding of interaction between engineering design, program management, manufacturing & supply chain processes.
  • Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, CMMI or other continuous improvement frameworks with high expectations of sustained excellence for self and team members.

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L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

About L3 Harris

L3 Harris

L3 Harris is one of the largest defense and aerospace companies in the United States, delivering advanced technologies that support missions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The company develops communications systems, space payloads, intelligence platforms, electronic warfare capabilities, missile defense technologies, and mission-critical sensors used by the U.S. military, intelligence community, and allied nations around the world.

For job seekers, L3Harris offers opportunities across engineering, software development, cybersecurity, space systems, manufacturing, intelligence, program management, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on advanced technologies that directly support national security. With programs spanning tactical communications, ISR platforms, satellite systems, and defense electronics, employees have the opportunity to contribute to some of the military’s most important capabilities.

Unlike companies focused on a single mission area, L3Harris operates across a diverse portfolio of defense technologies, providing employees exposure to a broad range of programs and technical disciplines. Teams work on everything from secure communications and autonomous systems to space-based sensors and electronic warfare platforms, creating opportunities for both specialization and long-term career growth within the organization.

As governments continue investing in modernization, space capabilities, resilient communications, and advanced sensing technologies, L3Harris remains one of the most important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking a mission-driven career with strong growth opportunities, technical challenges, and direct impact on global security, L3Harris continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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