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Scientist, Chief Engineer – Mission Payloads (Optical Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max)

Wilmington, Massachusetts; Palm Bay, Florida; Rochester, New York; Fort Wayne, Indiana
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

L3Harris Technologies has an immediate opening for a Mission Payload Chief Systems Engineer in Wilmington, MA to support Space Superiority and Imaging Systems. The ideal candidate for this position will be proficient in all aspects of the systems engineering process, will have direct and significant experience designing and testing complex systems, and will be comfortable coordinating teams of technical personnel. L3Harris in Wilmington, MA specializes in space-based, visible and IR payload systems with integrated electromechanical devices used for micro radian level line of sight pointing and focus control.

Our collaborate team is looking for Systems Engineers to help design, develop, integrate, test, and deliver space based remote sensing systems to our customers to support our nations most critical capabilities.

Essential Functions: 

  • Lead requirements traceability and development of test plans to verify requirements
  • Perform technical analysis, manage specifications, and generate design review and technical documents.
  • Execute design trades to support technical decisions
  • Lead design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.)
  • Lead integration and test of electro-optical/infrared systems and related hardware/software
  • Lead product test and design verification, requirements sell-off, and end item data package generation efforts
  • Support/lead data analysis and modeling and simulation
  • Evaluate space vehicle and end customer needs to help define and coordinate system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters and assure compatibility of all physical, functional and program interfaces
  • Evaluate and mitigate risk within the program
  • Mentor a growing, talented team of Systems Engineers
  • Contribute to proposal activities
  • Program planning, guidance, and execution

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in engineering and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
  • Active Secret security clearance 
  • 5+ years of systems engineering technical leadership experience
  • 5+ years experience with space-based payload or vehicle systems
  • Professional experience performing technical analysis, managing specifications, and generating design review and technical documents
  • Professional experience leading product test and design verification, requirements sell-off, and end item data package generation efforts

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience designing, procuring, fabricating and/or testing laser subsystems or focal plane array subsystems
  • Experience with active and passive remote sensing (LIDAR/Laser/Focal Plane Subsystems)
  • Systems engineering experience in electro-optical hardware development
  • Experience leading large space programs across the full system lifecycle
  • Comfortable negotiating technical and non-technical scope with customers
  • Technical Subject Matter Expertise in optical, electro-optical, electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, or equivalent engineering discipline
  • Experience generating/managing requirements at various levels of the system and flowing down requirements to sub-systems/sub-components
  • Experience using DOORS and/or MBSE software such as CAMEO and MagicDraw
  • Relevant experience with the design, manufacture, integration, test and sell-off of space-based EO/IR subsystems.
  • Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities
  • Experience leading program milestone reviews (SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, FCA/PCA, PSR)
  • Ability to collaborate across all levels of leadership
  • Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, ability to interact with a cross functional team, act as customer interface
  • Ability to architect an end-to-end space system with a full understanding of the product lifecycle
  • Experience with project management aspects of technology development programs
  • Experience with estimating and managing costs & creating and managing schedules

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $153,000.00 - $284,000.00. 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.

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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