Principal Manufacturing Automation Engineer

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: Principal Manufacturing Automation Engineer   Job Code: 44355   Job Location: Palm Bay, FL   Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)   Job Description:   L3Harris is searching for a Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer responsible for the design, development, integration, and support of advanced automation and robotic systems used within manufacturing operations. This role focuses on implementing custom automation solutions, including robotic cells, special machinery, motion systems, and industrial control platforms. The engineer will apply manufacturing and automation expertise to develop reliable, efficient systems that support production goals. This position requires hands‑on experience in designing, programming, building, and commissioning automated equipment from concept through deployment. The engineer will collaborate across mechanical engineering, manufacturing, tooling, project management, and production teams to ensure that all systems meet functional, safety, and performance requirements.   Essential Functions:   • Lead the evaluation, selection, and deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies including IoT sensors, advanced robotics, and AI/ML to improve factory performance and visibility • Drive digital transformation initiatives by integrating real‑time data collection, analytics, and modeling solutions into core manufacturing processes • Champion automation strategies using collaborative robots, autonomous material‑handling systems, and augmented reality tools to enhance safety, quality, and throughput • Implement predictive and prescriptive analytics models to identify process bottlenecks, reduce downtime, and optimize production flow using historical and real‑time data • Oversee development and use of digital twins and advanced simulation tools to model factory operations, validate process changes, and improve production yields • Ensure seamless integration with smart MES platforms, equipment, quality systems, and ERP to enable closed‑loop control, automated alerts, and material/serial‑number traceability • Develop and design automation equipment and control systems for tooling, fixtures, robotic cells, and custom machinery • Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and technical documentation • Integrate robotic systems, including external axes and end‑of‑arm tooling • Provide production support for advanced automation equipment, including troubleshooting and reliability improvements • Participate in design reviews, prototyping, testing, and complete system integration • Support the fabrication, assembly, debug, and installation of automation systems • Provide onsite support for commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities • Research and apply new components, devices, and automation technologies to improve system performance and cost effectiveness   Qualifications:   • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience; Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience; Or, in lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience •