Lead Systems Engineer - Mission-Critical Defense Architect

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Melbourne, FL is seeking a Lead, Systems Engineer to drive architecture and technical direction from concept through integration and validation.

You will translate evolving mission needs into traceable requirements, CONOPS, and system designs, guiding multidisciplinary teams toward end-to-end, ready-for-operations solutions. Strong communication and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 9 years of related experience or a Graduate Degree with 7 years of related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of related experience.
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance (or active within the last two years).

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 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-caze issues and trends, and lead 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.
• Develop System Architectures: Help develop system architectures to meet customer-specific requirements
• Contribute to Business Growth: Participate in regional business development, opportunities, and strategic goals alongside Sales and Business Development teams
• Assist in System Integration: Provide support during the design and integration of products with third-party systems
• Prepare Documentation: Prepare white papers and presentations, and assist in presenting custom systems solutions to customers
• Collaborate with Teams: Work with Sales, Program, and Project Management to translate customer requirements into balanced technical, schedule, and cost solutions

Skills

Requirements definition

Systems architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree + 9y exp

Graduate degree + 7y exp

13 years exp alternative

Tools

Cameo

SysML

Job description

L3Harris Technologies in Melbourne, FL is seeking a Lead, Systems Engineer to drive architecture and technical direction from concept through integration and validation.

You will translate evolving mission needs into traceable requirements, CONOPS, and system designs, guiding multidisciplinary teams toward end-to-end, ready-for-operations solutions. Strong communication and leadership are essential.