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Scientist, Systems Engineer - Mission Payload Chief Systems Engineer (Optical Systems)
Irondequoit, NYApril 1st, 2026
L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.Job Title: Scientist, Mission Payload Chief Systems Engineer (Optical Systems)Job Code: 34283Job Location: On-site in Wilmington, MA or Rochester, NY or Fort Wayne, IN or Palm Bay, FLJob Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicantsJob 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 requirementsPerform technical analysis, manage specifications, and generate design review and technical documents.Execute design trades to support technical decisionsLead design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.)Lead integration and test of electro-optical/infrared systems and related hardware/softwareLead product test and design verification, requirements sell-off, and end item data package generation effortsSupport/lead data analysis and modeling and simulationEvaluate 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 interfacesEvaluate and mitigate risk within the programMentor a growing, talented team of Systems EngineersContribute to proposal activitiesProgram planning, guidance, and executionQualifications: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 clearance5+ years of systems engineering technical leadership experience5+ years experience with space-based payload or vehicle systemsProfessional experience performing technical analysis, managing specifications, and generating design review and technical documentsProfessional experience leading product test and design verification, requirements sell-off, and end item data package generation effortsPreferred Additional Skills:Experience designing, procuring, fabricating and/or testing laser subsystems or focal plane array subsystemsExperience with active and passive remote sensing (LIDAR/Laser/Focal Plane Subsystems)Systems engineering experience in electro-optical hardware developmentExperience leading large space programs across the full system lifecycleComfortable negotiating technical and non-technical scope with customersTechnical Subject Matter Expertise in optical, electro-optical, electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, or equivalent engineering disciplineExperience generating/managing requirements at various levels of the system and flowing down requirements to sub-systems/sub-componentsExperience using DOORS and/or MBSE software such as CAMEO and MagicDrawRelevant experience with the design, manufacture, integration, test and sell-off of space-based EO/IR subsystems.Ability to manage multiple and competing prioritiesExperience leading program milestone reviews (SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, FCA/PCA, PSR)Ability to collaborate across all levels of leadershipExcellent inter-personal and communication skills, ability to interact with a cross functional team, act as customer interfaceAbility to architect an end-to-end space system with a full understanding of the product lifecycleExperience with project management aspects of technology development programsExperience with estimating and managing costs & creating and managing schedulesIn 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.
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