# Scientist, Chief Engineer – Mission Payloads (Space Optical Systems)
## About the Company
L3Harris Technologies is a defense technology company focused on mission-critical solutions across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The company develops end-to-end technology solutions supporting national security missions and is committed to recruiting and developing high-performing talent in an inclusive, collaborative environment.
## About the Role
L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Mission Payload Chief Systems Engineer to support Space Superiority and Imaging Systems in Wilmington, Massachusetts. The role focuses on the design, development, integration, testing, and delivery of space-based remote sensing systems.
The ideal candidate will have extensive systems engineering leadership experience, a strong background in aerospace or space-based payload and vehicle systems, and experience coordinating technical teams through complex system development and test activities.
## Key Responsibilities
* Lead requirements traceability and develop test plans to verify system requirements.
* Perform technical analysis, manage specifications, and produce design review and technical documentation.
* Execute design trades to support technical decisions.
* Lead design reviews, including PDR and CDR.
* Lead integration and testing of electro-optical/infrared systems and associated hardware and software.
* Lead product testing, design verification, requirements sell-off, and end-item data package generation.
* Support and lead data analysis, modeling, and simulation activities.
* Evaluate space vehicle and customer needs to define and coordinate system performance requirements.
* Integrate technical parameters and ensure compatibility across physical, functional, and program interfaces.
* Evaluate and mitigate program risks.
* Mentor and support a growing team of Systems Engineers.
* Contribute to proposal activities.
* Support program planning, guidance, and execution.
## Required Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience; or
* Graduate degree with a minimum of 10 years of related experience; or
* In lieu of a degree, 16 years of relevant experience.
* Active Secret security clearance.
* 5+ years of systems engineering technical leadership experience.
* 5+ years of experience with aerospace, space-based payload, or vehicle systems.
* Professional experience performing technical analysis, managing specifications, and producing design review and technical documents.
* Professional experience leading product testing, design verification, requirements sell-off, and end-item data package generation.
## Preferred Qualifications
* Experience designing, procuring, fabricating, and/or testing laser or focal plane array subsystems.
* Experience with active and passive remote sensing, including LIDAR, laser, or focal plane subsystems.
* Systems engineering experience involving electro-optical hardware development.
* Experience leading large space programs throughout the full system lifecycle.
* Experience negotiating technical and non-technical scope with customers.
* Technical subject matter expertise in optical, electro-optical, electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, or equivalent engineering disciplines.
* Experience generating and managing requirements at multiple system levels and flowing requirements down to subsystems and components.
* Experience with DOORS and/or MBSE tools such as CAMEO and MagicDraw.
* Experience designing, manufacturing, integrating, testing, and completing sell-off of space-based EO/IR subsystems.
* Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
* Experience leading program milestone reviews, including SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, FCA/PCA, and PSR.
* Ability to collaborate across leadership levels and cross-functional teams.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including customer-facing experience.
* Ability to architect an end-to-end space system with a strong understanding of the product lifecycle.
* Experience with project management for technology development programs.
* Experience estimating and managing costs and developing and managing schedules.
## Skills & Competencies
* Systems Engineering
* Systems Architecture
* Space Systems & Payloads
* Aerospace Engineering
* Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems
* Requirements Engineering
* Technical Analysis
* Design Verification
* Systems Integration & Testing
* Modeling & Simulation
* Risk Management
* Technical Documentation
* Design Reviews
* Program Planning
* Customer Interface
* Cross-Functional Leadership
* Technical Team Mentoring
## Education & Experience
* **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required, with graduate degree accepted as an alternative experience path.
* **Experience:** 12+ years with a bachelor’s degree, 10+ years with a graduate degree, or 16+ years of relevant experience without a degree.
* **Technical Leadership:** 5+ years.
* **Aerospace/Space Systems:** 5+ years.
## Work Arrangement & Schedule
* **Job Location:** Wilmington, MA
* **Listed Location:** Salisbury, MA, US (Remote)
* **Actual Work Arrangement in Source:** On-site in Wilmington, MA
* **Schedule:** 9/80, with every other Friday off
* **Relocation:** Relocation assistance available to qualified applicants
**Note:** The source listing is marked “Remote” at the top, but the actual job description explicitly states **“On-site in Wilmington, MA.”** The on-site requirement should be treated as the operative work arrangement.
## Compensation & Benefits
* **Salary Range:** $153,000–$284,000 for applicable locations including Massachusetts
* **Sign-On Bonus:** Up to $50,000 may be included as part of the offer package for this level
* Health insurance
* Disability insurance
* 401(k) match
* Flexible spending accounts
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
* Education assistance
* Parental leave
* Paid Time Off
* Company-paid holidays
Final compensation may vary based on factors including experience and geographic location.
## Compliance & Additional Information
L3Harris Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks may apply where permitted by law.
This position requires an **active Secret security clearance**. The source states that security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. Applicants accepting a conditional offer may be subject to government security investigations and must meet eligibility requirements for classified information access.