Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer - Flight Safety Test Coordinator

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Education assistance

Parental leave

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer – Flight Safety Test Coordinator in Springfield, Virginia to support orbital analysis and space test integration for a National Security program.

You will coordinate with stakeholders to plan, execute, and assess space-based missions, applying orbital mechanics and COLA concepts in a high-tempo environment. The role requires a strong space domain awareness background, experience with Python/MATLAB, and an active Top

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Optics or related field.
• Minimum 6 years’ experience in orbital mechanics, including collision avoidance, and/or satellite operations.
• 3+ years’ experience with systems engineering processes, including vulnerability and/or orbit analysis.
• 5+ years’ experience with government customers.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI Poly required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct orbital analysis to support space situational awareness, anomaly resolution, and mission planning.
• Utilize and evaluate automated analysis tools; vet tool outputs for accuracy and readiness.
• Develop and maintain operational checklists for repeatable mission execution.
• Apply scripting (Python, MATLAB) to streamline analysis workflows.
• Assess vulnerabilities of spacecraft systems, including optical payload concerns.
• Plan and execute space-related test events with stakeholders and senior decision-makers.
• Provide technical assessments on space mission design, testing, and post-test analysis.
• Coordinate across government for integrated planning and shared space situational awareness.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving technology.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Collision avoidance

Satellite operations

Python

MATLAB

Space domain awareness

Test planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Physics

Aerospace Engineering

Optics

Tools

Flight safety tools

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: Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer – Flight Safety Test Coordinator
Job Code: 45885
Job Location: Springfield, Virginia
Job Schedule: 5/8 Mon - Friday

Job Description:
L3Harris Technologies has an opening for a Flight Test Coordinator for an important National Security program.
We are seeking a highly motivated and mission-focused individual to support orbital analysis and space test integration efforts within a dynamic operational environment. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative coordination to contribute to both real-time operations and long-term planning across the national security space enterprise.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, the ideal candidate will support the planning, execution, and assessment of space-based mission activities, with a focus on orbital behavior analysis, tool validation, and test event support. A strong foundation in space systems, analytical tools, and mission operations is critical to success in this position.
This role requires strong space domain awareness background, a deep understanding of Orbital Mechanics, Collision Avoidance (COLA), satellite operations, and the ability to operate in a dynamic, high-tempo environments.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct orbital analysis to support space situational awareness, anomaly resolution, and mission planning, leveraging both real-time and predictive modeling techniques.
• Utilize and evaluate automated analysis tools; conduct thorough testing and vetting of tool outputs to ensure accuracy, reliability, and operational readiness.
• Develop and maintain operational checklists to support repeatable, reliable mission execution and improve team readiness and consistency.
• Apply scripting capabilities (e.g., Python, MATLAB) to streamline analysis workflows, automate tasks, and enhance mission planning processes.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of spacecraft and vehicle components, including the ability to assess potential vulnerabilities – particularly in systems with optical payloads (e.g., concerns may include stray light contamination, jitter, resolution limitations, or target obscuration from space environmental factors).
• Support and lead efforts to plan and execute space-related test events at the enterprise level, working with a range of stakeholders and senior decision-makers.
• Provide technical assessments and feedback on space mission design, operational testing, and post-test analysis activities.
• Coordinate across multiple government to ensure integrated planning, effective execution, and shared situational awareness in space operations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and emerging technologies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree 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.
• Degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Optics or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in orbital mechanics, including collision avoidance, and or satellite operations.
• 3+ years’ experience with systems engineering processes, including vulnerability and/or orbit analysis.
• 5+ years’ experience with government customers.
• Relevant project management experience leading a team.
• Relevant experience using flight safety tools.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI Poly required.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Strong networking and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with a diverse range of operators, planners, and senior-level stakeholders.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia - Greater Washington, D.C. Area is $106,500 - $197,500.00. 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.

#LI-ZB1

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.

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