Lead, Mechanical Engineer

L3Harris Technologies; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Job summary

L3Harris is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer in Sterling, VA to own design and qualification of complex mechanical systems, including precision mechanisms and electro-mechanical assemblies. You will lead across the full lifecycle—from requirements to integration testing—working with cross-functional teams in a lab-heavy, hands-on role.

The role demands independent work, strong CAD skills in Creo, and familiarity with GD&T (ASME Y14.5).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience.
• Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of tasking with minimal supervision on high-consequence activities.
• Provide regular updates to internal and external stakeholders, including customers.
• Generate Technical Data Package components ( drawings, part/assembly data ).
• Prototype, integrate, and test component parts and assemblies.
• Develop and execute test plans for mechanical subsystems and products.
• Participate in design reviews (PDRs, CDRs) and change discussions.

Skills

Technical leadership

3D modeling

Lab work

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate Degree

Tools

Creo

ASME Y14.5

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, Mechanical Engineer

Job Code: 43137

Job Location: Sterling, VA

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

We're seeking a driven Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and qualification of complex mechanical systems including precision mechanisms and electro-mechanical assemblies, within a dynamic program team. The ideal candidate will take ownership of major system components while adapting flexibly as program needs evolve. You'll provide technical leadership across the full development lifecycle: from requirements definition and concept generation through material selection, trade studies, design optimization, detailed design, documentation, and integration testing. You should bring strong experience in 3D modeling and critical hardware development, with the ability to work independently within cross-functional teams. This role requires a hands-on approach; you'll be actively engaged in lab work and direct hardware interaction.

Essential Functions:

• Ability and desire to take full ownership of tasking while working with limited supervision in a variety of high consequence program activities
• Provide regular communication and briefings, both formally and informally, to internal and external stakeholders, including customer representatives
• Generation of Technical Data Package components (Part and Assembly drawings, etc.)
• Prototype, Integrate, and Test component parts and assemblies
• Develop test plans and procedures for mechanical subsystems
• Perform test and evaluation of component parts and systems
• Participate in peer reviews, PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews
• Participate in product change review meetings and discussions and implement changes
• Participate in interdisciplinary design teams and reviews
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Able to work independently with limited supervision
• Adhere to company processes for product development, configuration management, purchasing, etc.
• Direct Designers/ Technicians/Operators as part of a design team
• Support field testing/demonstration efforts as an ME field representative

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance (or held within the last 2 years)
• Must hold or be able to obtain a favorable polygraph

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Comfortable collecting technical concepts and presenting them to program leadership
• Experience in design or development of precision mechanisms, mechatronic systems, and/or packaging of modules and electronics with considerations of thermal and structural loading and for optimizations of size, weight, and power.
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as Creo and understanding of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards.
• Experience in additive manufacturing, part optimization, and design for manufacture and assembly a plus.
• Experience with any of the following: actuators, custom gear trains, electro-optical systems, materials testing, and manufacturing processes

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia is $102,000 - $189,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

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