Senior Specialist Mechanical Engineering

Harris Geospatial Solutions; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Education assistance

Parental leave

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Ashburn, VA is seeking a Senior Aerospace Mechanical Engineer to lead a team of mechanical engineers, guiding the design of unmanned aircraft from concept through production, integration and test support.

The role emphasizes rapid development of cutting-edge technology, CAD modeling, design reviews, risk assessment, and cross‑functional collaboration with customers and upper management; US citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Graduate degree with relevant experience preferred.
• Alternative: 10 years of related experience in lieu of degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept to production design for unmanned aircraft systems and subsystems.
• Author PDRs/CDRs and conduct design reviews.
• Perform significant CAD modeling and trade studies.
• Mentor junior engineers and coordinate cross-disciplinary teams.
• Ensure hardware fielding within weeks through rapid development.

Skills

Mechanical design

Aerospace engineering

Leadership

Problem-solving

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Graduate Degree

10+ years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

PTC Creo

Catia

NX

SolidWorks

Microsoft Office

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.

Senior Aerospace Mechanical Engineer

Job Code: 43755

Job Location: Ashburn, VA - On Site

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

Job Description

The Agile Development Group (ADG) specializes in developing disruptive, next-generation technologies for advanced Unmanned Air Systems (UAS / UAV), advanced radar systems, next-generation weapon systems, and other RF sensor technologies using small company agility and big company experience.

The Senior Aerospace Mechanical Engineer will lead a team of Mechanical Engineers dedicated to designing our Unmanned Aircraft products. This role requires guiding the design of the vehicle from concept through to production, integration, and test support. The ideal candidate will possess innovative problem-solving skills and the ability to identify key requirements that will significantly influence the final design. Additionally, the Senior Mechanical Engineer will drive the engineering efforts to optimize the vehicle based on their understanding of these critical requirements. The importance of fielding hardware within weeks, not years, is paramount to this role, ensuring rapid development and deployment of cutting‑edge technology.

Essential Functions

• Lead conceptual and detail design of unmanned aircraft and their supporting systems, including structures and internal packaging
• Author PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews
• Significant CAD modeling of parts & assemblies
• Perform trade studies to evaluate designs
• Basic structural and thermal analysis of components & assemblies
• Drive schedule, cost, and technical execution for internal product teams
• Cost estimation for proposals
• Packaging of circuit cards, wire harnesses, and other electrical systems
• Interface to customers & upper management
• Provide guidance and mentorship for other team members formally or informally
• Responsible to direct and review the work of junior engineers and designers and technicians.
• Participate in risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for complex projects
• Up to 10% travel may be required
• Other duties as required
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a Secret Security clearance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a related field and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience.
• Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Minimum 5years experience in mechanical design, requirements analysis, specification generation, interface definition, component selection, component 3D CAD modeling, data collection, and product documentation
• Minimum 3 years experience leading and collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
• Prior or current experience working on aerospace products/systems
• 5+ years experience in 3D CAD modeling – PTC Creo, Catia, NX, or Solidworks
• Experience using Microsoft Office products
• Prior experience in developing aircraft structures or major sub-assemblies is strongly desired
• Expertise in 3D CAD modeling - PTC Creo is strongly preferred
• Strong hands‑on capabilities, to include integration and diagnosis of complex mechanisms and products
• Experience in design for and testing to military environments (i.e. temperature, vibration, shock, etc.)
• Electronics packaging experience particularly with circuit card assemblies and wire harnessing.
• Excellent people skills, with experience leading and collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, & presentation)

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in the Greater D.C. areas is Min $102,000.00 - $189,000.00 Max. 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.

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.

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.