Applying Lean Principles in Defense Manufacturing

After attending the 30th National Character and Leadership Symposium at the United States Air Force Academy, my civilian-military interests grew. I listened and learned that cadets and civilians share many values, including the care that goes into building relationships as people learn what it means to fail and grow as leaders. These experiences have developed a strong affinity for the defense industry, civilian-military service, and the value that goes into being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

As part of a two-semester senior Capstone project sequence, I served L3Harris on a Lean implementation to reduce travel and inventory waste at the L3Harris Tempe location, which produces night-vision goggles that "enhance situational awareness, improve decision-making, and ensure operator safety" for the U.S. military.

L3Harris has conventionally manufactured products designed for use in mission-critical applications and used throughout the U.S. military’s special activities divisions, and therefore require uncompromising precision and reliability. At the L3Harris Tempe location, Lean Six Sigma principles are being implemented. Initially, L3Harris and the Capstone team measured and analyzed data sets related to their Optical Component Shop (OCS) manufacturing line. Process improvements focused on applying work analysis and design by proposing facility layouts, implementing 5S at inspection workstations, and strategically placing work-in-progress (WIP) storage racks. I served as the Engineering Manager for the project, guiding the Lean implementation that supported a projected $109K in savings. 

This experience aligns with the GCSP theme of the Joy of Living by contributing to technologies that enhance the safety, well-being, and protection of U.S. military personnel serving foreign and domestic allies. Partnering with L3Harris gave me industry-relevant experience that I will carry into future civilian-military and defense careers as I support operational excellence.