The defense and aerospace technology sector is experiencing another wave of workforce reduction, with L3Harris Technologies announcing the closure of its Van Nuys facility and layoffs of 149 workers.

In a strategic move aimed at consolidating operations, the company plans to transition work to facilities in New Jersey, effectively ending its California office. The layoffs, which are expected to be permanent, will occur in multiple phases starting at the end of September 2025 and continuing through September 2026.

Employees across various engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and software systems engineers, as well as technicians and some managerial staff, will be impacted by these cuts. The workforce reduction is part of L3Harris’ broader “LHX Next” initiative, a cost-saving strategy implemented since 2023 following the merger between L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation.

Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Bedingfield emphasized the company’s commitment to driving cost savings and facility consolidations during a recent earnings call. CEO Christopher Kubasik described the initiative as a method to accelerate internal transformation, focusing on improving speed, efficiency, and organizational agility.

The company, which started 2025 with approximately 47,000 employees and a market valuation around $50 billion, continues to streamline its operations in response to market pressures. Employees affected by the layoffs will receive severance in compliance with the company’s plan and state regulations.

This development highlights the ongoing volatility in the tech and defense sectors, where companies are increasingly prioritizing operational efficiency and cost management over maintaining extensive workforce networks. As the tech industry continues to evolve, workers in specialized fields are experiencing the direct impact of these strategic corporate decisions.

For those affected, exploring opportunities in emerging technology sectors and maintaining adaptable skill sets will be crucial in navigating the current job market landscape.