Scientist, Mechanical Engineering

L3Harris Technologies•Clifton, NJ

2d•$146,000 - $271,000

About The Position

The Scientist, Mechanical Engineering will lead mechanical engineering efforts for the development, design, implementation, qualification, and productionization of ruggedized ground and airborne military systems, with an emphasis on electronic packaging for Electronic Warfare programs. The role combines technical individual-contributor work with leadership of cross-functional engineering teams and may serve as the responsible Mechanical Project Engineer on programs and internal development projects. The position leads mechanical activities across design, analysis, documentation, fabrication, assembly, and qualification. Work includes developing specifications and CAD models, conducting or reviewing thermal, structural, dynamic, and fatigue analyses, testing and troubleshooting mechanical and electromechanical systems, and addressing product or process issues. The role supports new-business preproposals and proposals, including generation and review of Basis of Estimates, and contributes to mechanical strategy and technical solutions. The position serves as a mechanical engineering subject matter expert and interfaces with engineering disciplines, designers, analysts, program managers, customers, and leadership. Responsibilities include leading design reviews, managing subsystem-level schedule, cost, and technical matters, mentoring and reviewing the work of other staff, and supporting staffing, training, performance, and process improvements for the Clifton Mechanical Engineering group. Domestic or international travel may be required 2–5% annually. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance and any additional clearances as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering and at least 12 years of prior relevant experience; alternatively, a graduate degree and at least 10 years of related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, at least 16 years of related experience.
Experience in 3D modeling and critical hardware design and development, including environmental requirements, power delivery, and aggressive thermal management.
Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Experience leading a team and advancing mechanical technologies.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance and any additional clearances as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ASME Y14.5M-1994 and GD&T.
At least 6 years of 3D CAD modeling experience using PTC Creo.
At least 8 years of electronics-packaging experience, including design for and testing to military environmental requirements such as temperature, vibration, and shock.
At least 8 years of experience managing thermal requirements for high-power electronics.
Experience leading technical content development for bids, including scope capture, requirements development, materials pricing, and labor estimates.
Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
Strong people skills and experience leading and collaborating in a multidisciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Hands-on experience integrating and diagnosing complex mechanisms and products.
Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFMA) experience.
Vibration and shock analysis experience for airborne applications.
Additive manufacturing and part optimization experience.
Basic understanding of control systems.
Experience with machined-part design.
Experience with EVMS cost and schedule practices.
Familiarity with Windchill, military design and environmental test standards, FloTHERM, Matlab, and MathCAD.
Familiarity with the Mechanical Engineering role in the PCB design process.
Knowledge of electrical and optical cable routing and management in high-reliability environments.
Experience overseeing a team of Mechanical Engineers.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Chief Mechanical Engineer for the business and point of contact for General Managers, Chief Engineers, Program Managers, and Mechanical Engineering leadership.
Serve as the subject matter expert for Electronic Warfare programs and products.
Design and analyze electronic systems, boxes, modules, and electromechanical packaging.
Generate specifications, models, and drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.100 and ASME Y14.5.
Develop mechanical design concepts and refine them using CAD designs, 3D-printed models, simulation tools, and functional prototypes.
Conduct mechanical and environmental testing and troubleshoot electronic systems.
Support proposals and proposal development, including technical content and Basis of Estimates.
Assist in developing the site-wide Mechanical Engineering strategy and work with cross-functional teams to develop solutions.
Create CAD models of parts and assemblies and conduct trade studies to determine optimal designs.
Review structural and thermal analyses of components and assemblies, including thermal management of high-power electronics in constrained volumes.
Lead mechanical design efforts and peer reviews, PDRs, CDRs, and other design reviews.
Hold schedule, cost, and technical responsibility at the major subsystem level; interface with customers and upper management.
Provide guidance and mentorship to team members and direct and review the work of junior engineers, designers, and technicians.
Participate in risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for complex projects.
Take on roles such as IPT Lead when needed.
Partner with programs to ensure appropriate staffing, adherence to engineering processes, and proposal support.
Track the performance of the Clifton Mechanical Engineering group, including staffing, training, onboarding, employee development, engagement, and retention.
Review metrics regularly to drive year-over-year performance improvement.
Serve as the Mechanical Engineering functional representative for site-specific design reviews and review or approve proposals and Basis of Estimates as needed.
Provide technical evaluation and oversight of program execution and lead or participate in technical issue-resolution teams.
Ensure knowledge transfer and mentoring of less experienced engineers across the department.
Travel domestically or internationally, if required, approximately 2–5% per year.