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Senior Specialist, Systems Engineering (Optical)

Palm Bay, Florida
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

The Optical Systems Engineer will support the program team performing critical functions such as requirements management, interface management, system design, risk and opportunity management, verification planning, test planning, and leading multiple event-based activities such as RCCAs, FRBs, MRBs, and addressing any open action items.  All Systems Engineers must be able to work and lead in collaborative environments, fostering the success of the overall team. 

This role is part of the L3Harris (LHX) Space Systems Sector within the Space and Mission Systems (SMS) Segment.  SMS is the largest and the fastest growing segment within LHX and well postured for continued growth and success in the domain.  The products we develop perform a variety of missions for our customers with both space-based and ground-based applications.  The Systems Engineers that support these missions lead the technology across the entire system lifecycle.  They engage in all the of critical phases and milestone reviews including pursuit, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR, and system operation.

Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for optical communications, electrical engineering principles, and application into hardware
  • Evaluate customer and operational needs to help define and coordinate system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters and assure compatibility of all physical, functional and program interfaces
  • Supporting the integration of optical terminals into satellite architectures, collaborating with engineering teams on system design, testing, and validation.
  • Work with requirements management software such as DOORS, Jama
  • Support test and troubleshooting of systems, modules and sub-assemblies of RF modules, working directly with program engineering personnel as required
  • Interface with Engineering, Operations, Quality and other supporting functions to drive defect resolution to root cause
  • Generate and implement improvements in product and test design and methodologies to reduce cost, increase yield, and improve throughput
  • Generate and review the technical content of test procedures, drawings, engineering specifications, reports, Engineering Change Orders, and other documentation
  • Execute design trades to support technical decisions
  • Participate in and potentially lead business pursuit efforts
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience,


Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Familiarity with the Space Development Agency (SDA) OCT Standard
  • Experience allocating requirements for free-space optical communication links and ground terminals.
  • Experience leading complex technical teams and programs to deliver hardware
  • Experience authoring Statements of Work (SOW) for vendors to propose

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L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

About L3 Harris

L3 Harris

L3 Harris is one of the largest defense and aerospace companies in the United States, delivering advanced technologies that support missions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The company develops communications systems, space payloads, intelligence platforms, electronic warfare capabilities, missile defense technologies, and mission-critical sensors used by the U.S. military, intelligence community, and allied nations around the world.

For job seekers, L3Harris offers opportunities across engineering, software development, cybersecurity, space systems, manufacturing, intelligence, program management, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on advanced technologies that directly support national security. With programs spanning tactical communications, ISR platforms, satellite systems, and defense electronics, employees have the opportunity to contribute to some of the military’s most important capabilities.

Unlike companies focused on a single mission area, L3Harris operates across a diverse portfolio of defense technologies, providing employees exposure to a broad range of programs and technical disciplines. Teams work on everything from secure communications and autonomous systems to space-based sensors and electronic warfare platforms, creating opportunities for both specialization and long-term career growth within the organization.

As governments continue investing in modernization, space capabilities, resilient communications, and advanced sensing technologies, L3Harris remains one of the most important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking a mission-driven career with strong growth opportunities, technical challenges, and direct impact on global security, L3Harris continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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