Lead, Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 117,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Colorado Springs seeks a Lead, Software Engineering to provide leadership and hands-on technical expertise for the development of Electo‑Optical software for military systems. The role drives software design, reviews, and cross-team collaboration in a fast-paced, defense-focused environment.

You will mentor engineers, translate customer requirements into software specs, and help shape proposals and program execution within EVMS practices.

Qualifications

• US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain DoD clearance.
• Bachelor's or Graduate degree with related experience; in lieu of degree, 13 years of related experience accepted.
• Experience developing technical and cost volume inputs for proposals.
• Experience as CAM or with CAMs using EVMS and program lifecycle.
• Up to 20% travel, including international travel.
• Ability to obtain Security+ certification within 60 days.

Responsibilities

• Lead software design and development including requirements analysis, specifications, design, implementation and development.
• Drive efficient processes and best practices for software development; perform code and design reviews.
• Collaborate with software managers and Electrical/Systems Engineering teams to optimize development across the organization.
• Establish development processes and standards to improve productivity and performance.
• Oversee team operations, performance and recruitment.
• Mentor and guide team members on career development.
• Translate customer and system requirements into software requirements.
• Participate in Engineering Proposal cost estimation and BOE efforts.
• Contribute to development on projects as needed.
• Manage recruitment interviews for software engineers.
• Expert proficiency in modern programming languages (C++, Java, QNX, Python).

Skills

C++, Java, QNX, Python

DevSecOps

UML

EVMS/EVM

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate Degree

Experience in lieu of degree

Tools

EVMS

CAM

CI/CD pipelines

Containerization

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, Software Engineering Job Code: 40675 Job Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every Other Friday Off)

In a fast‑moving and increasingly complex world, L3Harris is anticipating and rapidly responding to challenges with agile technology – creating a safer and more secure future. L3Harris is seeking a dynamic Software Engineering leader. As a leader in our fast‑paced, product‑development team you will provide software engineering leadership and hands‑on technical expertise to support the development of Electo‑Optical software for military systems. If you’re passionate about tackling complex challenges and eager to contribute to groundbreaking projects that make a real difference to our warfighters, citizens, and nation, this is your chance to shine.

Essential Functions

• Leading the software design and development processes including requirements analysis, specifications, design, implementation and development.
• Driving efficient processes, creating best practices for software development as well as performing code and design reviews.
• Collaborating with other software managers as well as Electrical, Systems Engineering managers, Program Chief Engineering team to ensure effective product development through optimizing engineering assignments across the development organization.
• Identifying and establishing development processes and standards to enhance productivity and performance of the team.
• Oversee team operations, performance, and productivity to achieve organizational goals.
• Key responsibilities include hiring, training, fostering employee engagement, and adhering to company policies.
• Providing mentorship, coaching and guidance to team members with respect to career development and opportunities for growth.
• Understand customer and system requirements and translate into software requirements.
• Participating in Engineering Proposal cost estimation and Basis of Estimate (BOE) efforts.
• Contributing to development on projects as required.
• Managing the recruitment interview and hiring process for additional software engineers.
• Expert Proficiency in a Modern Programing language (C++, Java, QNX, Python).

Qualifications

• US Citizen, able to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance and obtain additional clearances as required.
• Bachelor's Degree with 9 years prior experience, Graduate Degree with 7 years prior experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• Experience developing technical and cost volume inputs for proposals.
• Experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) or working directly with CAMs utilizing EVMS, Program execution lifecycle.
• Up to 20% travel may be required, including international travel.
• Ability to obtain Security+ certification in less than 60 days.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Active U.S. DoD TS/SCI Security clearance.
• Active Security+ certification.
• Proficient in software design methodologies (e.g., UML).
• Experience with Agile software development and software development lifecycle under the constraints of EVMS.
• Experience developing software in Rust or Go.
• Experience in delivering fully integrated systems (hardware, firmware, software) in a DoD environment.
• Demonstrated experience with technical leadership, including working directly with Earned Value Management (EVM) financial reporting.
• Excellent people skills, with experience leading and collaborating in a multi‑disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, & presentation).
• Experience delivering software with modern DevSecOps tool chains (CI/CD pipelines, containerization, cloud‑native software).

Compensation & Benefits

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado state is $117,000-$218,000. 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.

Application Window

The application window for this position will close on 10/7/2026.

Equal Opportunity & Other Statements

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. For information regarding your Right To Work, please consult the appropriate resources.