Lead, Systems Engineer

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. in Palm Bay, FL is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to guide the architecture and technical direction of mission-critical systems from concept through integration and validation.

This high-ownership role requires turning evolving mission needs into traceable requirements, system architectures, CONOPS, and actionable decisions, with leadership across multidisciplinary teams. The position emphasizes collaboration with product owners and customers in a defense/space

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 9+ years of relevant experience; graduate degree preferred for advanced roles.
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance (or recently active) and favorable polygraph required.
• Experience in requirements definition, system architecture and MBSE tools.

Responsibilities

• Architect mission concepts, system solutions, CONOPS and use cases across full lifecycle.
• Define and manage system-level requirements and traceability.
• Provide consultative technical direction across engineering teams; lead system design, integration and V&V.

Skills

Systems engineering

System architecture

Leadership

Requirements definition

MBSE

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Graduate Degree

Tools

Cameo

SysML

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, Systems Engineer

Job Req: 47814

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

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

Job Description:

Lead the architecture and technical direction of mission-critical systems from concept through integration and validation. You will turn evolving mission needs into traceable requirements, system architectures, CONOPS, and actionable technical decisions. This is a high-ownership role for an engineer who enjoys guiding multidisciplinary teams, leading trade studies, solving complex integration challenges, and delivering end-to-end solutions that are ready for operational use.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect mission concepts, system solutions, CONOPS, and use cases across the full lifecycle.
• Define, decompose, allocate, and manage system‑level requirements and traceability.
• Provide consultative‑level technical direction across engineering teams.
• Lead system design, implementation, system integration, and end‑to‑end verification and validation (V&V), including lab infrastructure and cross‑team coordination.
• Conduct system‑level trade studies and allocate performance and functional requirements across software, firmware, and hardware.
• Produce and maintain system architecture diagrams, interface drawings, and related engineering artifacts.
• Analyze system performance, generate supporting data, identify root‑cause issues and trends, and lead Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA).
• Support design reviews, readiness reviews, proposals, and customer and internal presentations.
• Collaborate with product owners to capture evolving mission requirements and refine system concepts.
• Influence technical direction, engineering decisions, and cross‑team alignment through strong communication and leadership.

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 Top Secret/SCI clearance (or active within the last two years) and favorable polygraph required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in requirements definition and systems architecture.
• Ability to quickly learn and understand customer missions and assist in developing CONOPS.
• Experience with Digital Engineering / MBSE tools (Cameo, SysML).
• Familiarity with defense development lifecycles, milestone review processes, gated development practices, and INCOSE standards.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency across mechanical, electrical, RF, software, and hardware engineering domains.
• Experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
• Background in Agile development processes and rapid mission onboarding.
• Ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

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. Please click here for the E‑Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.