Lead, Systems Engineer

L3Harris•Carlsbad, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Systems Engineer will provide and direct technical leadership for systems engineering on the MIDS JTRS program within L3Harris Communication Systems. The role focuses on designing and integrating Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions that support mission-critical communications. The engineer supports internal teams and external customers across design, integration, troubleshooting, testing, sustainment, production, and maintenance activities. The position collaborates closely with the Project Engineer and Program Manager to align technical priorities and execution, maintains effective working relationships with customers, and prepares and delivers technical briefings. It also supports business development and maintains equipment inventory. The role is based in Carlsbad, California, follows a 9/80 schedule, and requires 10% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field and 9 years of prior systems engineering experience; or a graduate degree in one of these fields or a related field and 7 years of prior systems engineering experience.
In lieu of a degree, at least 13 years of prior related systems engineering experience.
Active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Relevant experience in systems engineering, systems integration, software development, special test equipment, or related technical work.
Understanding of electrical, hardware, and interface control documentation, including deciphering integration requirements from ICDs.
Experience supporting Government customers.
Documentation skills, including specifications, test plans, procedures, and reports.
Defense or aerospace industry experience.
Experience supporting production, depot, or sustainment environments.
Basic RF systems knowledge and familiarity with spectrum analysis and special test equipment.
Strong understanding of systems engineering methods and practices.
Troubleshooting experience at the LRU/SRU level.
Strong computer hardware and software troubleshooting skills.
Experience with tools such as TeamCenter, SAP, SAPME, ProPricer, DOORS, Jira, Visio, or Excel.
Networking experience, including knowledge of networking protocols.
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
Ability to lead technical discussions across multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to work independently while coordinating with engineering, program management, and operations.
Ability to train and mentor junior-level engineers.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical lead for systems engineering activities supporting the program.
Direct and take responsibility for systems engineering work on the program.
Provide technical guidance and support across design, integration, troubleshooting, and sustainment activities.
Identify problems and opportunities, assess impacts, and determine corrective actions.
Perform root cause analysis and develop practical solutions to complex technical issues.
Communicate technical concepts to engineers, program management, operations personnel, and customers.
Support unfamiliar or challenging assignments with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
Coordinate with the Project Engineer and Program Manager to align technical priorities and execution.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with external customers.
Prepare and deliver technical briefings for leadership and customers.
Oversee product development technical activities and system integration to ensure technically sound designs that meet system-level requirements.
Lead development, testing, and validation of TDL software, hardware, and systems.
Maintain equipment inventory and support business development activities.
Provide technical support for production and maintenance, repair, and operations.
Support customers with hardware, software, and integration issues.
Maintain and update engineering documentation, including test plans, procedures, reports, and integration and test schedules.
Interpret hardware and electrical interface documentation to define integration requirements.