Lead, Systems Engineer – Space Optical Payloads

L3Harris Technologies

. Lead concept of operation development and requirements analysis, decomposition, and generation at various levels of the system .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeWilmington • Massachusetts • United StatesSenior💰 $127,500 - $236,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading the development and integration of electro-optical/infrared systems, with a strong focus on requirements management, system performance evaluation, and risk mitigation. Proficient in collaborating with cross-functional teams and mentoring less experienced engineers while managing large space programs throughout the system lifecycle.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Requirements ManagementElectro-Optical/Infrared Systems IntegrationDOORS/MBSE Software ProficiencySpace Program LeadershipActive U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Requirements AnalysisTest Plan DevelopmentData AnalysisModeling and SimulationLaser/LADAR System DesignCost Account ManagementEarned Value ManagementSystem Lifecycle ManagementEnd-to-End Systems IntegrationEnvironmental Testing

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsCollaborationMentoring

Tools & Technologies

MATLABPythonCAMEOMagicDraw

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s DegreeGraduate DegreeActive U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Space-Based Remote Sensing SystemsSpace PayloadsSpacecraft BusGround SystemsITAREAR

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonRemote Sensing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead concept of operation development and requirements analysis, decomposition, and generation at various levels of the system
Lead requirements traceability and develop test plans to cover requirements
Execute design trades to support technical decisions
Lead design reviews, including PDR and CDR
Lead integration and testing of electro-optical/infrared systems and related hardware/software
Support or lead data analysis and modeling and simulation
Evaluate customer and operational needs to help define and coordinate system performance requirements
Integrate technical parameters and assure compatibility of physical, functional, and program interfaces
Evaluate and mitigate risk within the program
Provide mentoring to less experienced Systems Engineers
Contribute to proposal activities, program planning, guidance, and execution
Design, develop, integrate, test, and deliver space-based remote sensing systems to customers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience
Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience
In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience
Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
Professional experience generating/managing requirements at various levels of the system and flowing down requirements to sub systems/sub-components
2+ years experience using DOORS and/or MBSE software such as CAMEO and MagicDraw
2+ years experience leading large space programs across the full system lifecycle
Professional experience in Laser/LADAR system design
Experience with space payloads, spacecraft bus, ground systems, environmental testing
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact with a cross-functional team and act as a customer interface
Ability to collaborate across all levels of leadership
Experience with project management aspects of programs (cost account management/earned value management system, estimating costs, managing schedules)
Experience with data analysis and/or modeling and simulation (e.g., with MATLAB/Python)
Experience with estimating and managing costs
Experience architecting, analyzing, developing, and integrating end-to-end systems in areas such as EO/IR, RF, or space payload and spacecraft bus subsystems
Experience with space ground systems and space vehicle operations and the ability to work on ITAR or EAR projects

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants
Sign-on bonus of up to $30K may be included as part of an offer package
Health insurance
Disability insurance
401(k) match
Flexible spending accounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Education assistance
Parental leave
Paid time off
Company-paid holidays