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Senior Scientist, Systems Engineer

Palm Bay, Florida
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Program Chief Engineer for a large end to end space system space vehicle program. The program has a large production component, but there is some development as well.  The Program Chief Engineer will serve as the ultimate technical authority on the program, responsible for technical execution, cost, and schedule. This leadership role is responsible for driving a large engineering team to plan and achieve program milestones, achieve customer satisfaction, and meet the financial goals of the business area. This position will have a direct interface with customers, suppliers, and stakeholder leadership. The position is located in Palm Bay, FL and will be primarily on-site work in classified facilities.

The Program Chief Engineer will partner closely with other functions (operations, quality, supply chain, and program management) to manufacture, integrate, and deliver the required end products. In addition, the Program Chief Engineer will drive technical execution on the development portion of the contract, which includes management of a major subcontract providing software, and integration / test of the new capability. This is also a growing business area and additional new business opportunities are expected as the current contract is executing.

Essential Functions:

  • Full responsibility for execution, cost and schedule for technical scope on the program.
  • Drive and lead team to achieve program goals on time and within cost baseline
  • Responsibility as primary technical decision-maker and authority; responsible for relevant internal and external communications.
  • Lead complex activities, including research, architecture, design, analysis, and verification.
  • Application of knowledge of DoD missions (with emphasis on space systems) to develop and deliver mission needs
  • Drive process and DFx improvements into the scope where appropriate to reduce costs. Perform trades on which DFx and/or process improvements make sense to implement based on cost / benefit analysis
  • Proven execution skills in a production environment to deliver products on time and within schedule
  • Provide mentorship, guidance, and leadership to other engineers.
  • Establish and actively manage program risks/opportunities
  • Partner with Independent Review Teams to improve program performance throughout lifecycle
  • Responsible for technical issue resolution, ensures root cause is identified and corrective actions are executed

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience (accredited course of study in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or another relevant STEM field). 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. Experience with best practices for project engineering and program execution

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • TS/SCI Security Clearance required.
  • Experience in an Engineering leadership role, such as Chief Engineer, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, Project engineer, Chief Systems Engineer, etc.
  • Experience presenting to program leadership and external customers for design reviews, technical negotiations, trade studies, data analysis, etc. 

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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