Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING MANAGER-ACTIVE TS-SCI CLEARANCE
Timeline
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Eric N. Ray

Palm Bay,FL

Summary

Senior management professional, bringing strategic leadership and operational excellence to drive organizational success. Skilled in project management, team collaboration, and process optimization with keen focus on achieving results. Adept at navigating complex challenges, fostering culture of accountability, and adapting to evolving business needs. Known for strong decision-making, effective communication, and building high-performing teams.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Manager Manufacturing Engineering

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
04.2023 - Current
  • Spearheaded productivity and morale improvements across engineering teams by fostering a culture of accountability, recognition, and continuous improvement.
  • Directed cross-functional teams through the full lifecycle of complex defense programs, achieving stringent project milestones under high-stakes timelines.
  • Cultivated enduring partnerships with defense clients and classified stakeholders, resulting in repeat contracts and sustained strategic collaborations.
  • Delivered tailored training initiatives and mentorship programs, elevating team capabilities and promoting professional growth at all levels.
  • Reduced project costs by streamlining manufacturing workflows and reallocating resources, boosting operational efficiency without compromising quality.
  • Mentored junior engineers and managers, instilling technical proficiency, leadership acumen, and succession planning for long-term organizational health.
  • Managed multimillion-dollar budgets with precision, balancing profitability goals with rigorous defense compliance and cost control protocols.
  • Orchestrated cross-departmental projects to minimize lead times and accelerate product delivery, increasing customer satisfaction and contract fulfillment.
  • Championed the integration of advanced technology platforms (e.g., automated assembly and analytics tools), modernizing operations and reducing downtime.
  • Reviewed and executed staffing decisions including hiring, terminations, and promotions, aligning personnel with evolving program needs.
  • Aligned budgeting strategies with operational goals, achieving consistent financial targets while maintaining industry compliance and control.
  • Delivered major program initiatives through the implementation of new tools and systems, driving innovation and meeting critical defense-grade performance metrics.

Lead Manufacturing Engineer / Manager

L3Harris
02.2018 - 04.2023
  • Manufacturing Engineering Manager / Lead Mfg. Engineer / IPTL (Integrated Program Team Lead)
  • Managing a team of 10 Mfg. Engineers across two sites, coordinating Mfg. Engineering support for multiple Programs for our Strategic Missions Division.
  • Performs mentorship of direct reports grooming them for level advancement, set performance goals to meet overarching departmental goals, write and administer performance reviews, and oversite of day-to-day tasks.
  • Perform Mfg. Engineering and IPTL responsibilities for high visibility Program overseeing transition from development to full production of 45 deliverable systems.
  • Integrated Operation Engineer for Development Program facilitating Design for Cost, Design for Supply Chain, Design for Manufacturing Assembly discussions throughout the Program phases, to identify and mitigate areas of risk to drive efficiency and reduce cost.
  • Program Lead for rapid prototyping for Circuit Card Assemblies (CCA), Electronic Module Assemblies, and Cable Assemblies.
  • Lead a team of 5 Mfg. Engineers, coordinating the assembly of Program Development builds for Engineering evaluations / design verification.
  • Performed Mfg. Engineering duties for the rapid prototyping program alongside team members. To include Assembly documentation review, Assembly work instruction creation, build oversite, lessons learned report out, and hardware pack out / delivery.
  • Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Circuit Card Manufacturing area manager.
  • Lead a team of 16 Engineering Technicians in support of CCA Manufacturing for Non-deliverable and Deliverable Program builds.
  • Oversite and enforcement of compliance to area / company processes and procedures, area process / procedure improvements, meeting production yield goals, meeting 5s audit requirements.
  • Operations Manager / Manufacturing Engineer for Microelectronic Actuator Factory.
  • Supported Actuator Program's transition from development to production, performed Mistake Proof Analysis on Actuator processes / procedures, created all production working traveler, completed Manufacturing Readiness Review analysis, and presented finding to Program Management.
  • Performed Value Stream Map (VSM) on Program Actuator production process, resulting in eliminated waste and a cost avoidance of approx. $761 K in labor with a 34% reduction in total lead time.
  • Established a KPI team to review defect data, perform Root Cause analysis and implement corrective actions based on top 10 contributing trends, this resulted in a 20% increase in production yield YTD.
  • Group Lead for team of 7 Mfg. Engineers Subject Matter Experts (SME) performing DFMA and process development for CCA manufacturing.
  • Sector DFMA champion.
  • Perform Design reviews to insure manufacturability.

Avionics Manufacturing Engineer

Extant Aerospace
10.2016 - 02.2018
  • Lead Manufacturing Engineer for all Military, Commercial, and FAA products.
  • Responsibilities Include:
  • Manager over the Manufacturing Methods and Quality Control inspection groups.
  • Programming and sustainment of manufacturing automation equipment.
  • Setup and sustainment of all component prep equipment.
  • Process and procedure development / sustainment for new product introduction and legacy product lines
  • Workstation and Floor layout development for new production lines following lean practices.
  • Manufacturing personnel training on work instructions, tooling, and techniques
  • Research, purchase, and implementation of new tooling / equipment to increase productivity / capability.
  • Quoting manufacturing labor and tooling costs for potential new product introduction
  • Investigation of defect root cause and implementation of corrective actions through use of the DMAIC process
  • Provide technical support for all departments.
  • Support product assembly, rework personnel, and processes, ensuring accuracy of work performed and overall quality of product produced.
  • Review new and legacy product lines for process improvements and capture cost savings.

Product Engineer

Oakridge Global Energy Solutions
02.2016 - 10.2016
  • Product Engineer for commercial lithium ion energy storage systems design, development, and production.
  • Responsibilities include:
  • Design and develop custom lithium ion energy storage systems as a part of the product design team.
  • Provide guidance on electronic systems, wiring, electrical components, and peripheral selection.
  • Design wire harness, lithium ion module, connection PCBs / connections, electrical mounting brackets, housings, and plates.
  • Liaison to battery management system (BMS) Designer to provide product requirements and work with technical support for BMS integration.
  • Collaborate with management, marketing, quality, and engineering teams to ensure a quality, cost conscious product that is designed for manufacturing.
  • Research new technologies and processes to incorporate into product design.
  • Research and remain current on regulatory standards and codes to ensure product compliance.
  • Create 3D models of products, subassemblies, wire harness, and supporting tooling using CAD software.
  • Create supporting documentation, such as: bill of material, data sheet, dimensional drawings, production work instructions, and procedures as a part of the quality controlled APQP process.
  • Design lean, ergonomic workstations, and production lines for effective product manufacturing.
  • Create 3D printed prototypes using an in-house 3D printer.
  • Build and test prototypes, report, and present test results.
  • Support product assembly, rework personnel, and processes, ensuring accuracy of work performed and overall quality of product produced.
  • Provide technical support for the customer service department.

Manufacturing Engineer II

Extant Aerospace
03.2014 - 02.2016
  • Manufacturing Engineer for all Military, Commercial, and FAA products.
  • Responsibilities Include:
  • Programming and sustainment of the CS400, Selective Solder, Wave, CNC Router equipment.
  • Setup and sustainment of all component prep equipment.
  • Lead Manufacturing Engineer for AIM product line to include:
  • 3 models of Attitude Indicator and 1 model of Directional Gyro, with 170 unique part number configurations associated across the 4 units.
  • Development and sustainment of AIM work area, tooling and testing equipment.
  • Development and sustainment of AIM work instructions and procedures.
  • Maintain FAA traceability and compliance for AIM product line.
  • Redline for minor documentation changes to BOM and Assembly drawings.
  • Provide technical support for AIM work area and customer service department.
  • Develop and implement processes, equipment, fixturing and tooling for continuous improvements to manufacturing operations.
  • Quoting manufacturing labor and tooling costs for potential new product introduction.
  • Support product assembly, rework personnel, and processes, ensuring accuracy of work performed and overall quality of product produced.

Product Engineer

MC Assembly
12.2011 - 03.2014
  • Product/Manufacturing Engineer for all ITAR customers including:
  • DRS (multiple divisions), L3, AR Modular, AAI, and Thompson Aerospace.
  • Responsible for:
  • Supporting SMT, Repair, RMA, Post assembly, and Box-build to ensure proper interpretation and execution of manufacturing work instructions written based upon customer drawings, schematics, and related documents.
  • Improving manufacturability through process improvements, communication of design change suggestions to the customer.
  • Real-time technical support to line operators, and line-balancing.
  • Creating custom travelers and rework instructions for all returned products.
  • Developing / approving / modifying workflow documentation.
  • Data collection & metric reporting for weekly meetings & weekly customer conference calls.
  • Quality Clinic Manager
  • Maintain defect records, develop RCCA analysis utilizing Taguchi.
  • Investigation of defect root cause and implementation of corrective actions through use of the DMAIC process.
  • Created and maintained the quality clinic investigation log which tracks the progression of all internal and external systemic defects until personally trained assets take over responsibility.
  • Completed 8D reports for external defect escapes to customer which details the defect investigation, root cause, and corrective action(s).
  • Continuous product improvement and defect tracking, RMA management.
  • Support product assembly & rework personnel & processes ensuring accuracy of work performed and overall quality of product produced.
  • Develop manufacturing fixtures /custom jigs & tooling:

Heavy Equipment Technician 4

Yancey Brothers Caterpillar
01.2006 - 08.2011
  • All aspects of heavy equipment / generator troubleshooting, repair, and service.
  • Certified air conditioner repair and service field technician.

Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician Craftsman, Rank of E5

United States Air Force
07.1999 - 07.2005
  • Preventative maintenance, repair, and diagnostics of ground support equipment.
  • Instructed over 200 individuals in equipment operations.
  • Assistant Maintenance Shop Manager:
  • 2 years as Staff Sergeant with full supervisory responsibility for assigned airmen.
  • Responsible for flight line support reporting required by the Air Force.
  • Responsible for parts requisitions for maintenance and repair of equipment.
  • Secret Security Clearance

Education

Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineering

University of Arkansas Grantham
Little Rock, AR

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U.S. Air Force

Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Proficient in Microsoft Visio
  • Experience with Microsoft Project
  • Experienced in SolidWorks design
  • Troubleshooting and problem resolution
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Operations planning
  • Data analytics
  • Talent development
  • Budget oversight
  • Strategic planning
  • Operations management
  • Cross-functional team coordination
  • Project planning
  • Goal setting
  • Technical proficiency

Awards

United States Air Force, Air Force Accommodation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Below the Zone (Early Rank Placement), Grantham University, Magna Cum Laude

MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING MANAGER-ACTIVE TS-SCI CLEARANCE

  • Project Management
  • Exceptional Technical Skills
  • Strategic Planning and Execution
  • Time Management and Prioritization
  • Problem Resolution and Decision-Making
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Leadership and Team Building
  • Oral and Written Communication

Timeline

Senior Manager Manufacturing Engineering

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
04.2023 - Current

Lead Manufacturing Engineer / Manager

L3Harris
02.2018 - 04.2023

Avionics Manufacturing Engineer

Extant Aerospace
10.2016 - 02.2018

Product Engineer

Oakridge Global Energy Solutions
02.2016 - 10.2016

Manufacturing Engineer II

Extant Aerospace
03.2014 - 02.2016

Product Engineer

MC Assembly
12.2011 - 03.2014

Heavy Equipment Technician 4

Yancey Brothers Caterpillar
01.2006 - 08.2011

Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician Craftsman, Rank of E5

United States Air Force
07.1999 - 07.2005

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U.S. Air Force

Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineering

University of Arkansas Grantham

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Eric N. Ray