Lead, Mechanical Engineering

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Waco, TX seeks a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer for aircraft structures to drive design across fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. You will use 3D CAD to model and draw, collaborating with production to guide projects from concept to manufacturing.

The role requires strong fundamentals in aircraft structural design, hands-on experience with 3D CAD tools such as Creo or NX, and the ability to obtain a US Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering with 9+ years related experience; graduate degree with 7+ years; or 13+ years with no degree.
• Minimum 4 years experience with mechanical design principles of aircraft structure and components.
• Minimum 4 years experience in modifications to aircraft primary and secondary structure.
• Minimum 7 years experience using 3D CAD to create solid models and 2D drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design and liaison of aircraft primary and secondary structure using 3D CAD and standards.
• Provide liaison to production for interpretation of designs/drawings.
• Prepare and release engineering drawings within schedule and budget.
• Generate bids for change orders and new pursuits.
• Document and review designs with peers and customers.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical design for aircraft structures and components.

Skills

Aircraft structural design

Aircraft modifications

3D CAD proficiency

Secret security clearance

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering

Graduate Degree with 7+ years experience

13+ years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Creo Parametric

Siemens NX

3D CAD tools

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 Design Engineering - Aircraft *Sign On Bonus $15,000 - $25,000
Job Code: 47397
Job Location: Waco, TX (Onsite)
Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

Mechanical engineers at L3Harris have the opportunity to work on a wide range of design efforts across various aircraft platforms, including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing. They develop designs that span from integrating cutting‑edge airborne systems into special mission aircraft to creating specialized aircraft modifications. Engineers use 3D parametric CAD, rapid prototyping, and other advanced tools to design and validate their solutions. They also produce the technical drawings, procedures, and documentation needed to fully define each design. As an L3Harris engineer, you will be engaged in every phase of the product lifecycle—from concept development and detailed design to manufacturing, aircraft installation, and customer support.

The L3Harris organizational structure allows engineers to contribute to a diverse set of projects throughout their careers, taking on increasing levels of responsibility. Combined with our broad business portfolio—spanning fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, state‑of‑the‑art military technologies, luxury head‑of‑state interiors, and structures ranging from aluminum to composites—engineers have the opportunity to expand their skills and accelerate their career growth at L3Harris’ Modernization and Modifications Group in Waco, TX.

Essential Functions:

• Design and liaison of aircraft primary and secondary structure utilizing military and commercial design standards, customer specifications and system requirements documents utilizing 3-dimensional CAD.
• Provide liaison to production and manufacturing for interpretation of engineering design/drawings.
• Conducting engineering drawing preparation and release within allocated schedule and budget constraints.
• Generating bids for customer requested change orders and new pursuits.
• Documenting and reviewing designs with peers, management, and customers.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles for aircraft structure and components.
• Strong analytic and communication skills.
• Ability to work in aircraft and in an aircraft hangar environment. Ability to climb/board and work inside aircraft. Ability to bend, stoop, balance, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, grasp.Ability to work in narrow aisles or passageways.
• Ability to obtain a US Secret security clearance.
• Willingness and ability to work any shift, weekends, and overtime as required.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required (<10%).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering (or equivalent field) and minimum 9 years prior related experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum 13 years of prior related experience.
• Minimum 4 years experience with mechanical design principles of aircraft structure and components.
• Minimum 4 years experience in modifications to aircraft primary and secondary structure.
• Minimum 7 years experience with the use of 3D CAD programs to create solid models and 2D detail, assembly, and installation drawings.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Active US Secret security clearance
• Mid-level knowledge of 3D CAD tools:
  • Creo Parametric, Siemens NX or equivalent
• Familiarity with aircraft and military design standards such as:
  • SAE AS50881, MIL-STD-704, MIL-E-7016, SAE ARP4754, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-882, MIL-HDBK-516
• Ability to manage budgets and schedules, serve as a task leader within the team, and mentor junior team members for integration design and liaison.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications (Word, Excel).

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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.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. The E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, English or Spanish.