Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer - Satellite Systems Operator

L3Harris Technologies; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 93,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and disability insurance

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Satellite Systems Operator in Palm Bay, FL to support satellite Command and Control, mission operations, and training. Responsibilities include real-time spacecraft operations, ground system configuration, and cross‑functional coordination with engineering, flight dynamics, payload, and ground stations.

The ideal candidate has hands-on C2/satellite operations experience, SCN exposure, and a track record of translating operational knowledge into effective

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; graduate degree reduces required experience to 4 years; in lieu of a degree, 10 years of related experience.
• Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly is required.
• Minimum 3 years in LEOPS/space or related operations.
• 3+ years in spacecraft command authorization and mission assurance processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-pass, live-pass, and post-pass satellite operations.
• Issue spacecraft commands and monitor telemetry for health and status.
• Troubleshoot anomalies, document findings, and escalate when needed.
• Coordinate satellite contacts, ground resources, and mission activities.
• Develop, revise, and maintain operator procedures and training materials.

Skills

Satellite operations

C2 operations

SCN experience

Training delivery

Education

Bachelor’s Degree + 6+ years

Graduate Degree + 4+ years

Tools

Satellite Control Network (SCN)

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 – Satellite Systems Operator (CI Poly)

Job Code: 43439

Job Location: Palm Bay, Florida

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every Other Friday Off!)

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Satellite System Operator to support satellite Command and Control (C2), mission operations, ground system configuration, and operator training activities. The successful candidate will perform real-time spacecraft operations while supporting the configuration, validation, execution, and sustainment of satellite and ground system resources.

This position requires hands‑on experience with satellite Command and Control operations, preferably involving the Satellite Control Network (SCN), and demonstrated experience configuring ground system resources in support of satellite contacts and mission execution. The Satellite System Operator will work in a dynamic operational environment requiring coordination across engineering, flight dynamics, payload, ground station, and other mission partners.

The operator will conduct and instruct satellite operations across the mission lifecycle, including Launch and Early Operations (LEOPS), routine on‑orbit operations, anomaly response, spacecraft recovery, and contingency operations. The position requires the ability to analyze real-time mission data, execute authorized spacecraft commands, identify and troubleshoot anomalous conditions, and maintain accurate operational documentation.

The successful candidate must also be capable of translating operational experience into effective instruction. The operator will support the development, delivery, and refinement of training materials, procedures, and operational documentation as mission capabilities and demonstration events evolve.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrated experience conducting pre-pass, live-pass, and post-pass operations in support of scheduled satellite contacts.
• Experience issuing spacecraft commands, monitoring command execution, and performing basic telemetry to assess spacecraft health and status.
• Demonstrated experience identifying, troubleshooting, documenting, and escalating spacecraft or ground‑system anomalies, alarms, degradation, and off‑nominal conditions.
• Experience performing real-time data analysis and troubleshooting in a time‑sensitive satellite operations environment.
• Experience with mission planning and scheduling, including coordination of satellite contacts, ground resources, and operational activities.
• Demonstrated ability to configure, validate, and verify the operational readiness of mission control systems, ground resources, and communications infrastructure.
• Experience maintaining accurate operational logs, pass reports, mission records, and shift turnover documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and maintain situational awareness during real‑time operations, including simultaneous monitoring of spacecraft telemetry, ground‑system status, mission timelines, and operational communications.
• Ability to develop, revise, and maintain technical procedures, checklists, training materials, and operational documentation based on mission changes, lessons learned, and demonstration events.
• Ability to communicate technical and operational information clearly to mission partners, leadership, engineering personnel, and satellite operators.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an integrated operations team in a multi‑agency and mission‑partner environment.

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.
• Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience supporting Launch and Early Operations (LEOPS), space operations, satellite operations, or a related mission environment.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with spacecraft command authorization, configuration management (spacecraft and ground system), and mission assurance processes.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Direct operational experience with the Satellite Control Network (SCN).
• Previous experience serving as a satellite operations instructor, evaluator, or trainer.
• Experience developing or updating operator training materials, mission procedures, checklists, and technical documentation.
• Experience supporting satellite demonstrations, tests, exercise, or mission rehearsal events.
• Experience coordinating satellite operations across multiple government agencies, mission partners, ground stations, or operational organizations.
• Experience supporting spacecraft anomaly resolution, recovery operations, safe‑state operations, and other off‑nominal mission conditions.
• Experience integrating changes to spacecraft, mission control, or ground‑system configurations into existing operational procedures and training.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Florida is $92,500 - $171,500.00. 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.

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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