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

L3Harris Technologies•Wilmington, MA

1d•$146,000 - $271,000

About The Position

L3Harris is hiring a senior-level Thermal Analyst to provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams. The role contributes to the design, analysis, and testing of optical systems operating in harsh space and ground environments, with expertise in aerospace thermal engineering and spacecraft payload architectures. The engineer directs and oversees analyses of conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer; heat pipes; radiative thermal transfer; and thermal-control hardware such as thermal blankets, surface treatments, heater tapes, and thermistors. The work considers interactions with optical structures to minimize optical errors and achieve operating temperatures. The role uses custom software alongside Thermal Desktop and finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and may mentor other Thermal Analysts in their use. The position covers payload and system-level thermal design, development, integration, testing, and risk mitigation for space environments. Program work may include requirements derivation and verification, system architecture, loads derivation, trade studies, design sensitivity and optimization, preliminary and final design analyses, documentation, and leadership of system test activities. The engineer organizes thermal design and analysis as an IPT lead, interfaces with customer technical leads and management, and presents results at formal reviews. The position also develops thermal test plans for payload sensor systems, supports new business opportunities, and mentors junior staff. The schedule is 9/80, with 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. A TS/SCI clearance must be obtainable upon hire.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering or science discipline and at least 12 years of 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 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.

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, particularly in 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 identify and address root causes.
Experience as a lead engineer, project engineer, or IPT lead.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee thermal design, analysis, and testing for optical systems and spacecraft payloads in space and ground environments.
Perform thermal design and analysis for complex mechanical hardware, including precision mechanisms, electromechanical devices, aerospace mechanisms, electronics packaging, deployable mechanisms, avionics, 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, sensitivity and optimization studies, preliminary and final design analyses, and analysis documentation.
Lead system test activities and develop thermal test plans for payload sensor systems.
Organize thermal design and analysis as an IPT lead and interface with customer technical leads and management.
Document and present design and analysis results at formal gate and design reviews.
Support new business opportunities and mentor junior-level staff and other Thermal Analysts.
Manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing situations.