Chief Engineer - Avionics Modification & Maintenance Business Area

Company: L3Harris Technologies
Location: Waco
Posted on: March 3, 2026

Job Description:

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. Job Title: Chief Engineer - Avionics Modification & Maintenance Business Area Job Code: 29803 Job Location: Waco, TX Schedule: 9/80 Job Description: The Business Area Chief Engineer for Avionics, Modification, and Maintenance (AMM) Programs plays an essential role in overseeing and guiding the technical and engineering aspects of avionics systems, modification projects, and ongoing maintenance activities. 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, however 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 Modernization & Modification Division. 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 Businiess 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. Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Must be a US Citizen in order to obtain a DoD Security Clearance. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in an Aerospace Engineering discilpine (ie: Mechanical, Aero, Electrical, Systems, etc). Master’s degree or advanced degree preferred. Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in aerospace engineering, with significant experience in aircraft modifications and Avionics Engineering. Previous experience in an Engineering leadership role is required. Skills: In-depth knowledge of Aerospace Engineering principles, Avionics, aircraft systems, and modification processes. 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. Experience with FAA (STC) and Military (MTC) certification activities preferred. 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: Experience in a prior Chief Engineering capacity Proficient in leading root cause analysis, troubleshooting complex technical situations, and leading continuous improvement efforts Proficient in people management and team building Demonstrated understanding of interaction between engineering design, program management, manufacturing & supply chain processes, Quality Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, CMMI or other continuous improvement frameworks with high expectations of sustained excellence for self and team members. LI-EN2 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.

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