Lead, Systems Engineer – Mission Payload

L3Harris Technologies

. Lead systems engineering efforts for a space-based EO/IR mission payload system across concept, development, integration, test, and verification phases .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeFort Wayne • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in systems engineering for space-based EO/IR mission payload systems, including requirements management, technical leadership, and cross-functional team coordination. Proficient in developing and managing system and subsystem requirements, as well as performing system-level analyses and technical reviews.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Systems EngineeringEO/IR Mission Payload SystemsRequirements ManagementTechnical LeadershipInterface Control Documents

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Requirements DecompositionSystem AnalysisVerification PlanningRisk ManagementTechnical Baseline ManagementPerformance AssessmentCross-Reference MatricesMission Operations ConsiderationsIntegrated Product Team LeadershipElectro-Optical Systems

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentorshipCross-Functional Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

DOORSJamaCameoMagicDrawCapella

Certifications & Qualifications

DoD Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringDefense SystemsSpace-Based SystemsRemote Sensing PayloadsMultidisciplinary Engineering

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Remote Sensing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead systems engineering efforts for a space-based EO/IR mission payload system across concept, development, integration, test, and verification phases
Develop, decompose, allocate, and manage system and subsystem requirements
Establish and maintain requirements traceability from mission objectives through architecture, specifications, and verification methods
Define, document, and manage internal and external interfaces, including Interface Control Documents and verification approaches
Perform and coordinate system-level analyses addressing performance, functionality, risk, operability, and requirements compliance
Support system architecture definition and technical baseline maturation for EO/IR payload solutions
Coordinate multidisciplinary payload, optics, focal plane, electronics, software, mechanical, integration and test, and mission operations teams
Lead or support SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and other lifecycle technical reviews
Ensure systems engineering products are complete, consistent, and compliant with processes and customer expectations
Identify technical risks, develop mitigation plans, and communicate status to engineering and program leadership
Support verification and validation planning, including requirements verification cross-reference matrices and test/analysis/inspection demonstrations
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM discipline and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience; or a Graduate degree and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience
In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 13 years of prior related experience
Ability to obtain DoD Secret security clearance
Experience with space-based EO/IR systems, remote sensing payloads, or electro-optical mission systems
Familiarity with requirements management tools such as DOORS, DOORS Next, Jama, or similar platforms
Familiarity with MBSE methodologies and tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, Capella, or similar
Experience serving as an Integrated Product Team Lead or in another technical leadership role
Experience creating and managing ICDs, verification matrices, and technical baselines
Understanding of spacecraft-to-payload interfaces and mission operations considerations
Experience supporting major program technical reviews and customer interactions
Experience in systems engineering for complex aerospace, defense, or space-based systems
Experience developing and managing requirements at system and subsystem levels
Experience defining and managing interfaces across hardware, software, and multidisciplinary engineering teams
Experience performing or coordinating system analysis, trade studies, or mission/performance assessments
Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to present technical content to internal and external stakeholders
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional integrated product environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)
Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities