Scientist, Thermal Analyst Mechanical Engineer (Space Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max)

L3Harris•Wilmington, MA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

L3Harris is seeking a senior-level Thermal Analyst to serve as a technical leader across multidisciplinary engineering teams. The role develops, analyzes, and tests thermal designs for optical systems operating in harsh space and ground environments, with an understanding of aerospace thermal engineering and spacecraft subsystem and instrument architectures. It directs and oversees teams conducting conductive, convective, and radiative analyses, including work involving heat pipes, radiative heat transfer, thermal-control hardware, and interactions with optical structures to minimize optical errors and achieve operational temperatures. The engineer uses custom software, Thermal Desktop, and finite element analysis (FEA) packages, and may mentor other Thermal Analysts in using these tools. The position supports payload and system-level thermal design, development, integration, testing, and risk mitigation for space-based environments. Work includes design and analysis of complex mechanical hardware and electronics, requirements and architecture development, trade studies, design optimization, analysis documentation, customer reviews, and system test activities. The role leads thermal design and analysis as an IPT lead, interfaces with customer technical leads and management, develops thermal test plans, supports new business opportunities, and mentors junior staff. The schedule is 9/80, with employees working nine days in each 14-day period for 80 hours and every other Friday off. Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants, and an offer may include a sign-on bonus of up to $50,000. The role requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance upon hire.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or another related engineering or science discipline and at least 12 years of relevant experience; alternatively, a graduate degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience; or, in lieu of a degree, at least 16 years of relevant experience.
At least 5 years of experience using thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop, Sinda, Thermal Fluent, or Icepak.
Professional experience with thermal vacuum testing.
At least 5 years of experience working on aerospace or space programs.
Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance upon hire.
Knowledge of payload-level design, development, and integration, and system-level thermal design, development, integration, testing, and risk mitigation for space-based environments.

Nice To Haves

Active TS/SCI clearance.
Experience with thermal analysis of mechanical and electronic systems in space, air, or ground environments.
Strong analytical skills, with experience using or directing finite element analysis (FEA).
Experience with finite element analysis software.
Ability to support design decisions with well-documented engineering analyses and calculations.
Ability to analyze problems and quickly focus on and drive toward root causes.
Experience as a lead engineer, project engineer, or IPT lead.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Lead thermal design and analysis across multidisciplinary teams for optical systems operating in harsh space and ground environments.
Direct and oversee conductive, convective, and radiative analyses, including analysis of heat pipes, radiative heat transfer, thermal-control hardware, and interactions with optical structures.
Perform thermal design and analysis on complex mechanical hardware, including precision mechanisms, electromechanical devices, aerospace mechanisms, electronics packaging, deployable mechanisms, avionics, and thermal and ground-based systems.
Create and analyze design concepts using FEA and thermal analysis software.
Support requirements derivation and verification, system architecture development, loads derivation, trade studies, design sensitivity and optimization studies, and preliminary and final design analysis.
Generate analysis documentation, including presentation materials and deliverable data packages, and lead system test activities.
Organize thermal design and analysis as an IPT lead and interface with customer technical leads and management.
Document and present design and analysis results to customers at formal gate and design reviews.
Develop thermal test plans to manufacture and test payload sensor systems.
Support new business opportunities and mentor junior-level staff.
Work on multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing situations.