Lead Optical Systems Engineer, Space Applications

L3Harris Technologies; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Palm Bay, FL seeks an experienced Lead Optical Engineer to drive optical system design across space missions. You will lead requirements management, interface control, and verification planning for free-space optical links and ground terminals, coordinating with cross-functional engineering teams.

The role requires a strong track record in optical design, integration, and test, plus leadership of technical teams and experience with DOORS or Jama.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 9+ years related experience.
• Graduate degree with 7+ years experience preferred.
• In lieu of a degree, 13+ years related experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Apply optical and electrical engineering principles to hardware development.
• Review and allocate system requirements for free-space optical links.
• Develop performance models including link budgets and acquisition simulations.
• Integrate optical terminals into satellite architectures with cross-functional teams.
• Oversee hardware development and testing activities.
• Lead complex technical teams to deliver hardware on schedule.
• Verify requirements using DOORS or Jama; manage subcontractors.
• Support testing, troubleshooting, and continuous process improvement.
• Assess customer needs and lead technical input for pursuits.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate Degree

Experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Jama

DOORS

MATLAB

Zemax

Code V

FRED

Job description

L3Harris Technologies in Palm Bay, FL seeks an experienced Lead Optical Engineer to drive optical system design across space missions. You will lead requirements management, interface control, and verification planning for free-space optical links and ground terminals, coordinating with cross-functional engineering teams.

The role requires a strong track record in optical design, integration, and test, plus leadership of technical teams and experience with DOORS or Jama.