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Lead, Crypto-Communications Security Systems Engineer

San Diego, California
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Lead development teams in defining requirements and conceptualizing communications system architectures for NSA certified cryptographic products. Serve as the primary responsible engineer for product certification to common NSA requirements including IASRD and SERD 2.0. Perform key program duties of either Systems, Hardware Design, Software Design or Firmware Design Engineering. Prepare and present technical data at both internal and customer reviews, clearly communicating technical details and project progress. Leverage L3Harris's expertise and capabilities, exploring ways to apply our advanced solutions to new challenges. This position may require travel up to 10% of the time, enabling engagement directly with stakeholders and support various project needs on-site.

Essential Functions:

  • COMSEC Design for NSA Products: Develop and oversee the design and architecture of complex systems, ensuring they meet all technical requirements and specifications.
  • Project Leadership: Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams through the entire systems engineering lifecycle, from concept development to system deployment and maintenance.
  • Risk Management: Identify potential risks throughout the system's lifecycle and develop mitigation strategies to address these risks effectively.
  • Process Development and Improvement: Develop, implement, and continuously improve systems engineering processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.
  • Customer and Stakeholder Interaction: Engage with customers and other stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure their requirements are incorporated into the system design. Communicate project status and technical information effectively.
  • Innovation and Problem Solving: Lead efforts to innovate and improve existing systems. Resolve complex technical issues that arise during the design, development, or deployment phases.
  • Performance Analysis: Conduct performance analysis and modeling to predict and verify system behavior under various conditions.
  • Collaboration and Coordination: Coordinate with other engineering disciplines, including hardware, software, and mechanical engineers, to ensure integrated system solutions.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 5 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 3 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
  • Experience in product certification to NSA standards such as IASRD and SERD 2.0.
  • Experience with one of the following engineering functions in encrypted communications products:
  • Systems Engineering
  • Electronic Hardware Design
  • Firmware Design
  • Software Design
  • Experience in cryptographic algorithms and protocols
  • Active SECRET clearance

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • CTP II Certification
  • Experience with TEMPEST product qualification testing
  • Experience evaluating requirements and writing technical proposals
  • Understanding of satellite CONOPS
  • An active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California is $125,000 – $232,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

LI-TP1

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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