[Hiring] Principal, Quality Engineering- AI Lead @L3Harris Technologies

Role Description

L3Harris Missile Solutions is seeking a Leader for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Quality to develop and execute the segment’s strategy for AI/ML governance, verification, and validation. Reporting to the Director of Quality Engineering, this role defines quality frameworks ensuring AI/ML models, computer vision systems, and automated inspection technologies meet mission-critical requirements. The position partners closely with Executive Leadership, Data Science, Software Engineering, Operations, and site Quality teams to support the safe deployment and lifecycle management of AI-enabled tools. The ideal candidate brings experience implementing quality processes for software-intensive or AI-driven systems and leading cross-functional technical initiatives.

• Develop and implement AI/ML quality strategies and validation frameworks to assess model and software behavior across Missile Solutions applications.
• Establish and maintain data governance practices, including data quality controls, labeling accuracy, drift monitoring, and bias prevention.
• Define measurable performance metrics and acceptance criteria for AI applied to mission-critical or defect-detection systems.
• Lead verification and validation (V&V) activities for AI/ML models, including adversarial testing, stress testing, and edge-case simulation.
• Adapt traditional quality and risk tools to intelligent systems, including FMEA development and mitigation planning for machine-learning-specific failure modes.
• Oversee quality frameworks for automated inspection systems, including validation of sensor calibration, metrology data ingestion, and synthetic data pipelines.
• Govern post-deployment quality practices such as regression testing, drift thresholds, and monitoring/retraining workflows.
• Align internal AI engineering practices with emerging standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 42001, NIST AI RMF).
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, internal quality systems, and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Up to 30% travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or related technical field with 12 years of prior relevant experience; OR Graduate Degree with 10 years of prior related experience; OR in lieu of a degree, 16 years of related experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading technical projects, cross-functional initiatives, or engineering teams.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in verification, validation, testing, or quality management of software-intensive systems, AI/ML models, or analytics pipelines.

Requirements

• Experience in manufacturing or quality in defense, aerospace, automotive, or similar industries.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.
• ASQ CSQE or CQE certification.
• Training or certification in AI governance or trustworthy AI frameworks.
• Experience with data validation frameworks for drift and anomaly detection.
• Familiarity with quality flow-down requirements for prime defense contractors.
• Understanding of APQP, manufacturing risk management, Six Sigma, and LEAN principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.

Benefits

• Health and disability insurance.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
• Education assistance.
• Parental leave.
• Paid time off.
• Company-paid holidays.