Systems Engineer, Space

L3Harris•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The Space Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, manages requirements, and supports test verification and performance assessment for established and developing space communication systems. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams, including hardware and software engineers, to ensure the end product meets technical requirements and end-user needs. A strong background in the design, development, and verification of RF communication systems is essential. The position applies L3Harris’s expertise and capabilities to new challenges and may require travel up to 10% to engage with stakeholders and support project needs on-site. The role leads multidisciplinary engineering teams across the systems engineering lifecycle, from concept development through system deployment and maintenance. It oversees system integration and verification, manages lifecycle risks, engages customers and stakeholders, drives innovation and problem-solving, analyzes system performance, and coordinates integrated solutions across engineering disciplines. The position is based in San Diego, California, and follows a 9/80 schedule: employees work nine days in each 14-day period, totaling 80 hours, with every other Friday off. The role requires the ability to obtain a DoD clearance; the posting also identifies the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance, which requires an extensive background investigation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Material Science, or equivalent, with at least 4 years of related work experience; alternatively, a graduate degree with at least 2 years of prior related experience.
In lieu of a degree, at least 8 years of prior related experience.
Strong background in the design, development, and verification of RF communication systems.
Ability to obtain a DoD clearance.
Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
Willingness to learn and work both in a support capacity and as a lead on differing functions.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel.
Strong time-management skills and ability to balance multiple tasks and projects.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a related field; advanced degrees may substitute for some work experience.
Proven experience in RF and communication system design.
Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) design and development.
Experience with project planning and proposal activities.
Experience preparing presentation materials and documentation and presenting technical designs.
Expertise with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo or SysML.
An active Top Secret or TS/SCI DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through the systems engineering lifecycle, from concept development to system deployment and maintenance.
Oversee integration of system components and ensure they work together seamlessly.
Plan and conduct system verification and validation to ensure performance and reliability standards are met.
Identify lifecycle risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Engage customers and stakeholders to understand their needs and incorporate their requirements into system design.
Communicate project status and technical information effectively.
Lead efforts to innovate and improve existing system designs.
Resolve complex technical issues during design, development, or deployment.
Conduct performance analysis and modeling to predict and verify system behavior under varied conditions.
Coordinate with hardware, software, mechanical, and other engineering disciplines to deliver integrated system solutions.