Lead, Supplier Development Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 5, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 2, 2026.
Job Title:Lead, Supplier Engineer / Supplier Development Engineer - Integrated Supplier Team (IST)
Job Code: 41991
Location: Field / Remote - HSV, AL Base (Ideally local to assigned supplier to minimize travel - Lincoln, Nebraska, Tucson, Arizona, or Hunting Beach, California)
Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off
Job Description
L3Harris is seeking an experienced Supplier Development Engineer to support the Integrated Supplier Team (IST). This role acts as a primary technical liaison between internal engineering teams and critical suppliers to ensure quality, schedule, and technical execution across high-priority defense programs. The Lead Supplier Engineer evaluates supplier capabilities, drives process improvements, resolves complex technical issues, and supports new product and process development. This position leads high-impact initiatives with minimal oversight and contributes directly to supplier performance, product integrity, and mission success.
Essential Functions
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications
- 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.
Preferred Skills
- 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.
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, the Greater D.C. area, Denver, or NYC is $127,500 - $236,500. The salary range for this role in Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York State, Cleveland (Ohio), Vermont, and Virginia is $110,500 - $205,500.
This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amounts may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location.
L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. Benefits may vary based on hire date, schedule type, and collective bargaining agreements.