Specialist, Mechanical Engineering (Optics)

Harris Geospatial Solutions; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Fort Wayne, IN seeks a Specialist, Mechanical Engineer (Space Optics) to drive mechanical design for spaceborne optics and cryogenic systems. You will lead IR payloads from requirements through verification and collaborate across manufacturing, procurement, and design teams to ensure robust, flight-ready solutions.

The role requires experience with 3D CAD in space environments, optical focus/thermalization design, and strong leadership of cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with 4+ years of relevant experience; higher degree may reduce experience needed.
• Experience designing and testing for space environments (temperature, vacuum, radiation).
• 3D CAD modeling using industry standard tools (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks).
• Experience with optical focus and thermalization design is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical leadership for IR payloads and subsystems from requirements to interface definitions and verifications.
• Design precision optics components (mirrors, mounts, windows, focal plane hardware) for cryogenic applications.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Procurement during build/test of mechanisms.
• Lead small to mid-sized cross-functional design teams and review design artifacts (PDR/CDR).
• Perform trade studies to optimize designs and assess risk; contribute to schedule and cost planning.

Skills

Leadership

Risk assessment

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Master’s Degree (related field)

Tools

PTC Creo

SolidWorks

COBRA/Orbis

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: Specialist, Mechanical Engineer (Space Optics)

Job Code: 40585

Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description:

This role will support the design and development of space borne precision optics, mirrors and mounts, and cryogenic optical systems for IR payloads. Includes completing mechanical systems analysis, architecture definition, Specification and ICD development with supporting trade studies.

Essential Functions:

• Mechanical systems leadership for IR payloads and subsystems from requirement allocations and flow downs to specification and interface definition and compliance verification
• Detailed mechanical design skills of precision optics for IR payloads including optical mirrors, mirror mounts, windows, filters focal plane mounts and telescopes for cryogenic applications
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Procurement during the build and test of mechanisms
• Leadership of small to mid-sized cross-functional design teams for IR payloads and mechanical subsystems
• Author PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews
• Perform trade studies to determine optimal designs
• Assist with schedule, cost, and technical responsibility at the major subsystem level
• Responsible for directing and reviewing, the work of junior engineers and designers and technicians.
• Participate in risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for complex projects
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security Clearance
• Up to 10% travel may be required

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
• Experience in design and testing for space environments (i.e., temperature, vacuum, radiation, etc.)
• 3+ years of experience in 3D CAD modeling using industry standard tools
• Experience with optical focus and thermalization design experience

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Active Secret Clearance is preferred
• Optical alignment design experience
• PTC Creo or Solidworks is strongly preferred
• NASA 5017 and ABMA Standards knowledge
• GD&T, tolerance stacks
• Experience with Tribology
• Prior COBRA or Orbis experience
• Prior experience in developing aircraft structures or major sub-assemblies is strongly desired
• Prior electronics packaging experience
• Design experience in spaceborne IR optical systems

#LI-KB1

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.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer.