Senior Technical Manager, Space Hardware – Space Optical Systems

L3Harris Technologies

. Lead and support the design of high-precision spaceflight hardware, including opto-mechanical structures, mechanisms, tooling, and fixtures .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $126,500 - $235,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in mechanical design for aerospace and defense, with a strong focus on leading engineering teams through the entire design and production process. Proficient in 3D CAD tools, project management, and ensuring compliance with quality systems such as AS9100.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mechanical Design For Aerospace3D Computer-Aided DesignProject ManagementThermal And Structural ModelingGD&T And Tolerance Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringOpto-Mechanical StructuresDesign TradesRoot Cause AnalysisCorrective Action PlansHigh-Reliability HardwareOptical SystemsSpace StructuresDevelopmental ProgramsQuality Systems

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipMentoringResource AllocationProcess ImprovementTeam Engagement

Tools & Technologies

CREOTest EquipmentToolingFixturingShop Aids

Certifications & Qualifications

Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

AerospaceDefenseAS9100Space IndustryEngineering Change Activities

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and support the design of high-precision spaceflight hardware, including opto-mechanical structures, mechanisms, tooling, and fixtures
Provide technical leadership across requirements, concept development, design trades, detailed design, analysis, documentation, integration, and test
Guide and mentor engineers, allocate resources, improve processes, and support strategic planning
Lead technical reviews, present designs to customers and reviewers, and coordinate with suppliers and cross-functional teams
Support manufacturing and production with tooling, fixturing, test equipment, and shop aids
Contribute to proposals, estimates, schedules, and engineering change activities
Manage hiring, employee development, performance, and team engagement
Ensure projects meet customer commitments for cost, schedule, and technical performance
Travel occasionally, less than 10%

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program and 12+ years of relevant experience, or graduate degree and 10+ years, or 16+ years of related experience without a degree
Professional experience in mechanical design for aerospace and defense programs
Professional experience leading engineering functional teams through design, analysis, test, hardware build, delivery, and launch
Professional experience guiding/incorporating thermal or structural modeling and design methods, tools, and results into a mechanical design
Professional experience with 3D computer-aided design tools
Professional experience with project management, including budget, schedule, and risk management
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Active security clearance desired
Experience with optical systems
Experience with space structures, mechanisms, and high-reliability hardware
Familiarity with the 3D CAD tool CREO
Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis
Experience executing root cause analyses and corrective action plans
Experience executing within quality systems such as AS9100
Experience with developmental programs within the Space industry

Benefits

Comp & perks

Sign-on bonus of up to $50K
Relocation assistance available to qualified applicants
9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
Health insurance
Disability insurance
401(k) match
Flexible spending accounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Education assistance
Parental leave
Paid time off
Company-paid holidays