Manufacturing Lead Jobs
Manufacturing Lead jobs are open across automotive, food and beverage, electronics, and industrial manufacturing, from entry-level team lead to senior production supervisor, with specializations in lean production, quality assurance, and shift operations. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Manufacturing Lead JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 469+ Manufacturing Lead jobs
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 Description:
L3Harris Space & Mission Systems located in Wilmington, MA, is an industry leader in designing and producing space-based optical telescopes for satellites and delivering cutting-edge optical systems for commercial, military, and NASA missions. Our work shapes the future of space technology.
The Operations Organization is seeking a talented and creative Lead Manufacturing Engineer to support several key programs at L3Harris's Imaging Division, which has experienced significant revenue growth, more than doubling its revenue in recent years. This position is crucial for the successful scaling and transformation of our production processes to accommodate this rapid growth.
This role will play a vital part in the lifecycle of our key programs, contributing to various aspects of technical manufacturing leadership and will influence decision-making processes, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our manufacturing operations.
It will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement efficient production strategies, ensuring that all projects meet their deadlines with the highest quality standards. Additionally, responsibilities will include optimizing manufacturing workflows, identifying process improvements, and providing technical guidance and support to ensure the seamless execution of production activities.
- Lead and execute manufacturing engineering activities for the assembly and integration of electromechanical assemblies.
- Act as the technical Lead on critical satellite payload programs.Develop scalable processes from technical documentation and create manufacturing procedures and routers.
- Propose, develop and lead process improvement and cost reduction projects, apply lean liberally to the production cell.
- Lead elements of the manufacturing process including optimization of manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts.Lead design changes by coordinating with design engineering to address technical, operational, and obsolescence issues.
- Interface with and direct technicians and other operations personnel, back up the operations manager when out on vacation.
- Support capacity planning and lab space layout support for program changes.Lead DFM activities during programs’ NPI phase
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
- Ability to obtain a secret or top-secret clearance.
Preferred Additional Skills:
- Experience with optical engineering a plus.
- Evidence of strong problem-solving capability, people skills, and the ability to conduct presentations for various internal/external customers.
- Lean (Green Belt, Black Belt) certification.
- CAD training (Solid Works/AutoCAD).
- Knowledge of program and project management techniques and tools.
- Familiarity with AS9100/ISO9001 industry standards.
- Fabrication of reflectors, lenses, electrical assemblies, opto/mechanical alignment.
- Experience with NPI.
- Proven track record of solving complex engineering problems and implementing innovative solutions in a manufacturing environment.
- DFM Experience
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Massachusetts is $96,000 - $178,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount 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. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
#LI-NB1
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.
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 Description:
L3Harris Space & Mission Systems located in Wilmington, MA, is an industry leader in designing and producing space-based optical telescopes for satellites and delivering cutting-edge optical systems for commercial, military, and NASA missions. Our work shapes the future of space technology.
The Operations Organization is seeking a talented and creative Lead Manufacturing Engineer to support several key programs at L3Harris's Imaging Division, which has experienced significant revenue growth, more than doubling its revenue in recent years. This position is crucial for the successful scaling and transformation of our production processes to accommodate this rapid growth.
This role will play a vital part in the lifecycle of our key programs, contributing to various aspects of technical manufacturing leadership and will influence decision-making processes, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our manufacturing operations.
It will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement efficient production strategies, ensuring that all projects meet their deadlines with the highest quality standards. Additionally, responsibilities will include optimizing manufacturing workflows, identifying process improvements, and providing technical guidance and support to ensure the seamless execution of production activities.
- Lead and execute manufacturing engineering activities for the assembly and integration of electromechanical assemblies.
- Act as the technical Lead on critical satellite payload programs.Develop scalable processes from technical documentation and create manufacturing procedures and routers.
- Propose, develop and lead process improvement and cost reduction projects, apply lean liberally to the production cell.
- Lead elements of the manufacturing process including optimization of manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts.Lead design changes by coordinating with design engineering to address technical, operational, and obsolescence issues.
- Interface with and direct technicians and other operations personnel, back up the operations manager when out on vacation.
- Support capacity planning and lab space layout support for program changes.Lead DFM activities during programs’ NPI phase
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
- Ability to obtain a secret or top-secret clearance.
Preferred Additional Skills:
- Experience with optical engineering a plus.
- Evidence of strong problem-solving capability, people skills, and the ability to conduct presentations for various internal/external customers.
- Lean (Green Belt, Black Belt) certification.
- CAD training (Solid Works/AutoCAD).
- Knowledge of program and project management techniques and tools.
- Familiarity with AS9100/ISO9001 industry standards.
- Fabrication of reflectors, lenses, electrical assemblies, opto/mechanical alignment.
- Experience with NPI.
- Proven track record of solving complex engineering problems and implementing innovative solutions in a manufacturing environment.
- DFM Experience
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Massachusetts is $96,000 - $178,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount 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. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
#LI-NB1
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.
See All 469+ Manufacturing Lead Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Lead JobsManufacturing Lead Job Market
Who's Hiring
- GE Aerospace18
- Tesla11
- Maverick Tech11M
- Jabil9
- International9
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Medical Devices
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing lead jobs.
- Two or more years of experience supervising a production line or manufacturing team
- Proficiency with lean manufacturing principles including 5S, kaizen, and waste reduction
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and technical specifications
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification or willingness to obtain upon hire
- Experience using manufacturing execution systems or ERP software
- High school diploma or GED required, with associate or bachelor's degree preferred
Tips for Your Manufacturing Lead Job Search
Quantify output on your resume
Manufacturing lead resumes that list throughput rates, scrap reduction percentages, and headcount managed consistently outperform generic summaries. Replace vague phrases like 'improved efficiency' with specific before-and-after production metrics tied to your line or shift.
List your certifications above your summary
Certifications like Six Sigma, OSHA 30, and forklift operator credentials are hard filters in applicant tracking systems. Placing them in a dedicated section near the top ensures they get parsed before a recruiter ever reads your work history.
Target openings that match your process type
Discrete manufacturing and continuous process manufacturing require different skills. Filter openings by industry and read job descriptions for process terminology like batch production, kanban, or just-in-time so you apply where your hands-on experience directly translates.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists manufacturing lead openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for a skills demonstration interview
Many manufacturing lead interviews include a floor walk or a scenario question where you diagnose a simulated line stoppage. Practice talking through your decision-making process out loud, naming which team members you'd involve and in what order.
Negotiate shift differential and overtime terms
Base pay is only part of the offer. Shift differential rates, mandatory overtime caps, and weekend premium pay vary widely by facility. Ask for the full compensation breakdown in writing before you accept so you can compare offers accurately.
Manufacturing Lead Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most manufacturing leads?
GE Aerospace, Tesla, and Maverick Tech are hiring the most manufacturing leads right now, with openings concentrated in California, Texas, and Ohio, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be strongest at facilities running multiple shifts or expanding production capacity.
How many manufacturing lead jobs are remote?
About 28% of manufacturing lead openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most production environments. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include production planning coordination, quality documentation review, and training curriculum development rather than direct floor supervision.
How do you become a manufacturing lead?
Start by building direct experience on a production floor as an operator or technician, then take on informal responsibilities like training new hires or covering a team lead during absences. Earning a lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification demonstrates you understand process improvement beyond just operating equipment. When a lead opening posts internally, apply with documented examples of problems you solved and results your team produced.
How do you get hired as a manufacturing lead with little experience?
Focus on roles that list 'entry-level lead' or 'working lead' in the title, which typically require less supervisory history and more willingness to train. Highlight any time you coached a coworker, coordinated a small project, or filled in for a supervisor, even informally. Certifications like OSHA or forklift operator credentials help signal readiness for the added safety responsibilities that come with leading a team on the floor.
What does the manufacturing lead interview process look like?
Most manufacturing lead interviews start with a phone screen focused on your production background and shift availability, followed by an in-person interview with an operations manager or plant supervisor. Expect situational questions about handling equipment downtime, team conflicts, or missed production targets. Some facilities add a floor walk where you observe the line and describe how you'd organize the team, so wear closed-toe shoes and be ready to think out loud.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing lead jobs?
You can find and apply to manufacturing lead jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that fit your process background, shift preferences, and location, then apply directly to each one that matches.
See All 469+ Manufacturing Lead Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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