Lead, Mechanical Engineer

L3Harris Technologies; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineer in Sterling, VA. This role involves leading the design and development of complex mechanical systems, providing technical leadership throughout the development lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in 3D modeling and hands-on engagement with hardware. A Bachelor’s degree and significant relevant experience are required, along with an active security clearance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of prior relevant experience or 4 years with a graduate degree.
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance required.
• Must be able to obtain a favorable polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and qualification of mechanical systems.
• Provide technical leadership across the full development lifecycle.
• Develop test plans and procedures for mechanical subsystems.
• Participate in product change review meetings and interdisciplinary design teams.

Skills

3D modeling

Technical Data Package generation

Prototype integration and testing

Mechanical subsystems testing

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Graduate Degree in related field

Tools

Creo CAD software

ASME Y14.5 standards

Job description

Job Title

Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineer

Job Code

38752

Job Location

Sterling, VA

Job Schedule

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

Job Description

We're seeking a driven Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and qualification of complex mechanical systems including precision mechanisms and electro‑mechanical assemblies, within a dynamic program team.

The ideal candidate will take ownership of major system components while adapting flexibly as program needs evolve. You'll provide technical leadership across the full development lifecycle: from requirements definition and concept generation through material selection, trade studies, design optimization, detailed design, documentation, and integration testing.

You should bring strong experience in 3D modeling and critical hardware development, with the ability to work independently within cross‑functional teams. This role requires a hands‑on approach; you'll be actively engaged in lab work and direct hardware interaction.

Essential Functions

• Ability and desire to take full ownership of tasking while working with limited supervision in a variety of high consequence program activities
• Provide regular communication and briefings, both formally and informally, to internal and external stakeholders, including customer representatives
• Generation of Technical Data Package components (Part and Assembly drawings, etc.)
• Prototype, Integrate, and Test component parts and assemblies
• Develop test plans and procedures for mechanical subsystems
• Perform test and evaluation of component parts and systems
• Participate in peer reviews, PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews
• Participate in product change review meetings and discussions and implement changes
• Participate in interdisciplinary design teams and reviews
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Able to work independently with limited supervision
• Adhere to company processes for product development, configuration management, purchasing, etc.
• Direct Designers/ Technicians/Operators as part of a design team
• Support field testing/demonstration efforts as an ME field representative

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance (or held within the last 2 years)
• Must hold or be able to obtain a favorable polygraph

Preferred Additional Skills

• Comfortable collecting technical concepts and presenting them to program leadership
• Experience in design or development of precision mechanisms, mechatronic systems, and/or packaging of modules and electronics with considerations of thermal and structural loading and for optimizations of size, weight, and power.
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as Creo and understanding of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards.
• Experience in additive manufacturing, part optimization, and design for manufacture and assembly a plus.
• Experience with any of the following: actuators, custom gear trains, electro‑optical systems, materials testing, and manufacturing processes

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.