Mission Payload Chief Systems Engineer

About the role

About the Role

L3Harris Technologies is looking for an experienced Mission Payload Chief Systems Engineer to support Space Superiority and Imaging Systems in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

The role focuses on designing, developing, integrating, testing, and delivering space-based visible and infrared (EO/IR) remote-sensing payload systems. The position involves significant technical leadership across complex systems engineering programs.

Note: Although the listing is labeled "Remote," the job description explicitly states that the position is onsite in Wilmington, MA.

Key Responsibilities

Lead requirements development, traceability, and verification test planning.

Perform technical analysis and manage system specifications.

Prepare technical documentation and support design reviews such as PDR and CDR.

Conduct engineering trade studies to support technical decisions.

Lead integration and testing of electro-optical/infrared systems and related hardware/software.

Lead product testing, design verification, requirements sell-off, and end-item data packages.

Support data analysis, modeling, and simulation.

Define and coordinate system performance requirements and technical interfaces.

Identify and mitigate program risks.

Mentor Systems Engineers and provide technical leadership.

Support proposals, program planning, and execution.

Interface with customers and cross-functional technical teams.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 12+ years of relevant experience.

Alternatively, a graduate degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.

16+ years of relevant experience may substitute for a degree.

Active Secret security clearance.

5+ years of systems engineering technical leadership.

5+ years of aerospace or space-based payload/vehicle systems experience.

Experience with:

Technical analysis

Specifications management

Design review documentation

Product testing and verification

Requirements sell-off

End-item data packages

Preferred Experience

Laser or focal-plane-array subsystem design, fabrication, procurement, or testing.

LIDAR, laser, or focal-plane remote-sensing systems.

Electro-optical hardware development.

Large space programs across the complete system lifecycle.

Customer technical negotiations.

Optical, electro-optical, electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical engineering.

Requirements management and subsystem/component requirements flow-down.

DOORS, CAMEO, or MagicDraw/MBSE.

Space-based EO/IR subsystem design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and sell-off.

Major program milestone reviews including SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, FCA/PCA, and PSR.

Program cost estimation, scheduling, and project management.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $153,000–$284,000 for applicable high-cost locations including Massachusetts.

Potential sign-on bonus of up to $50,000.

9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.

Relocation assistance available to qualified candidates.

Benefits may include:

Health and disability insurance

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Important Eligibility Requirement

Because this position requires an active Secret security clearance, candidates must meet the applicable U.S. security-clearance eligibility requirements. L3Harris notes that security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.