Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer - Space Operations Trainer

Harris Geospatial Solutions; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 92,500 - 171,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Education assistance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Space Operations Trainer in Springfield, VA to develop and certify operators for SDA missions. The role emphasizes applying ISD methods and providing scenario-based training in contested space environments.

Ideal candidates will have strong orbital mechanics knowledge, 3+ years in space-operations training, and an active TS/SCI clearance. The position offers a challenging, mission-focused environment with 24/7 readiness support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher with extensive space ops domain experience.
• Experience applying DoD ISD or equivalent instructional framework.
• 3+ years in training management or instruction for space tools/systems.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver training programs for SDA missions and Battlespace Awareness roles.
• Certify personnel in Battlespace Awareness and Mission Director roles.
• Create and deploy training simulations using real-world space events.
• Collaborate with planners, analysts and cyber teams to align with TTPs and objectives.
• Maintain instructional materials and training packages for customers.
• Provide SME on orbital mechanics and orbital regime behaviors.
• Utilize STK for space dynamics and access planning training.
• Brief leadership and provide data-driven post-training recommendations.

Skills

ISD methodology

Space operations

Training management

Security clearance TS/SCI

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate Degree

10+ years alternative experience

Tools

STK

Job description

Company Overview

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 & Details

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.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range (Virginia – Greater Washington, D.C. Area): $92,500 – $171,500.00. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, Employee Assistance Program, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company‑paid holidays. Specific programs and options available may vary by date of hire, schedule type, and collective bargaining agreements.

Equal Opportunity & Security Clearances

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 protected group under 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.

Many positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance; security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigations and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.