Title:  Operations Program Manager - Space Payloads

Job Title: Operations Program Manager - Space Payloads

Job Code: 24622

Job Location: Wilmington, MA

Job Description:

The L3Harris Imaging Division in Wilmington, MA designs and manufactures unique, cutting-edge solutions (in other words: cool stuff) for space.  This site is an industry leader in the design and production of space-based optical telescopes, mechanisms, and payloads for small satellites in both the commercial and non-commercial markets.  We solve some of the toughest space-based challenges out there. An example of one of these challenges is a telescope for NASA’s New Horizon mission.  This telescope, which took the first close-up pictures of Pluto ever, was designed and built at this Wilmington facility  (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/images/index.html).  The spacecraft with that telescope is currently beyond our solar system, one of only 5 man-made objects to be in deep space.

This team is looking to add a Program Operations Manager who is creative and loves to solve the tough problems that arise throughout the development and manufacturing phases of our programs.  This is a high-visibility role that is responsible for all aspects of build activities in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.  Leadership skills are essential in this position, as you will lead and coordinate all operational activities throughout the product development lifecycle, from conceptualization/design through manufacturing and shipment. You will lead a cross functional team across all disciplines of operations and some design engineering disciplines in the planning of manufacturing readiness, risk management, and execution of the design, build and test of spaceflight hardware, working directly with a wide variety of people, including technicians and engineers, to supervise and troubleshoot cutting edge opto-mechanical assemblies.  During the design phase, this position is responsible for driving collaboration with the Design Engineering function to optimize Design for Manufacturability and Test (DFMAT). This role is one of three on Wilmington’s Program Leadership teams that are jointly responsible for the successful execution of a program to meet customers’ needs.

Essential Functions:

• Lead all aspects of planning and execution for operations on a program, including design for manufacturability, production planning, facilities, test execution, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing
• Provide direction to all operational functions in the support of the assembly and integration of a variety of opto-mechanical and electrical assemblies
• As an integrated leader of the program team, provide status to the program manager in regard to cost, schedule, and delivery of the operational disciplines
• Team with Integrated Product Team leaders to ensure that all plans align and are achievable. 
• Estimate and track operational costs, initiate Continuous Improvement activities to reduce waste in the manufacturing and production processes.
• Create strategies to incorporate DFMAT, APQP, and Lean manufacturing starting at the design of hardware through build and delivery
• Support design engineering, analysis, program management and IPT leads, process development, and proposal activities.
• Create and deliver presentations for Peer Reviews, Manufacturing Readiness Reviews, internal management reviews, and customer reviews.
• Provide capacity planning and lab space layout support for new programs.
• Be a technical leader, advisor, and mentor

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience OR a graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Knowledge of program and project management techniques and tools
• Ability to plan, operate, and execute effectively in an ambiguous environment
• Evidence of strong problem-solving capability, people skills, and the ability to conduct presentations for various internal/external customers
• Prior experience leading teams or programs in a production environment
• Manufacturing engineering, supply chain management, or other operational experience. 
• Experience with complex electro-mechanical and optical assemblies
• Security clearance desired, but not required
• Lean (Green Belt, Black Belt) certification
• Familiarity with AS9100/ISO9001 industry standards

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