Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer - Space Operations Trainer

L3Harris Technologies; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 106,500 - 197,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and disability insurance

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

EAP

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Space Operations Trainer to join a forward‑leaning team dedicated to supporting a 24/7, 365‑day mission in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) operations.

The Space Operations Trainer will develop advanced mission training, certify space operators, and enable warfighter readiness through structured training delivery and realistic scenario modules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience, or graduate degree with at least 4 years.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI poly required.
• Experience with DoD Instructional Systems Design (ISD) or equivalent.
• 3+ years’ experience in on-orbit systems or space ops programs.
• 3+ years’ experience as a training manager or instructor for space related tools/systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver training programs for operators supporting SDA missions, Battlespace Awareness, and Mission Director roles.
• Provide training and facilitate the certification of personnel in the Battlespace Awareness and Mission Director roles.
• Create, test, and deploy training simulations or scenarios using real-world events such as satellite maneuvers and orbital threats.
• Collaborate with planners, watch operators, intelligence analysts, mission directors and cyber teams to align training with current TTPs.
• Design and maintain instructional materials and monthly recurring training packages.

Skills

Clearance: TS/SCI with CI Poly

Orbital mechanics

ISD methodology

Training program development

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Graduate Degree

10 years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

STK (Systems Tool Kit)

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 – Space Operations Trainer

Job Code: 41130

Job Location: Springfield, VA

Job Schedule: 5/8 Mon - Fri

Job Description

L3Harris Technologies is currently seeking a Space Operations Trainer to join a forward‑leaning team dedicated to supporting a 24/7, 365‑day mission in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) operations.

The Space Operations Trainer will play a vital role in preparing and certifying space operators to execute missions in contested and dynamic environments. We are looking for an experienced trainer to develop advanced mission training in Battlespace Operations and SDA.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in orbital mechanics, a deep understanding of contested space operations, and demonstrated expertise in applying DoD Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodology—or an equivalent instructional framework. This position is critical to enabling warfighter readiness through structured training delivery, operational certification, and the development of realistic, scenario‑based training modules for high‑impact mission roles.

Essential Functions

• Develop and deliver training programs for operators supporting SDA missions, Battlespace Awareness, and Mission Director roles.
• Provide training and facilitate the certification of personnel in the Battlespace Awareness and Mission Director roles.
• Create, test, and deploy training simulations or thought‑provoking scenarios using real‑world events such as, satellite maneuvers, proximity operations, and orbital threats.
• Collaborate with planners, watch operators, intelligence analysts, mission directors and/or cyber teams to ensure training is aligned with current Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) and operational objectives.
• Design and maintain instructional materials, monthly recurring training, or training support packages as required by the customer.
• Provide subject matter expertise on orbital mechanics and orbital regime behaviors.
• Utilize modeling and simulation tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK) to enhance operator understanding of space dynamics and access planning.
• Support coordination with mission partners and align training with evolving space doctrine or best practices.
• Self‑starter, problem solver with ability to execute challenging tasks to completion.
• Brief senior leadership and deliver post‑training assessments with data‑driven recommendations.
• Must be able to get certified as a Battlespace Awareness Operator.

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.
• Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly clearance required.
• Must have experience with DoW Instructional System Design (ISD) or equivalent.
• 3+ years’ experience relevant to on‑orbit systems and/or space ops programs
• 3+ years’ experience as a training manager or instructor for space related tools/systems

Preferred Additional Skills

• Basic Instructor Course (BIC) certification or equivalent.
• DoW/NRO Systems Liaison / Field Representative.
• STK Level 2/3 Certification.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia - Greater Washington, D.C. Area $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
• 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 an E-Verify Employer.

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.

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.