Specialist, Mechanical Engineering (Optics)

L3Harris; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris in Fort Wayne, IN is seeking a Specialist, Mechanical Engineer (Space Optics) to design and develop space-borne precision optics, mirrors and mounts, including cryogenic optical systems for IR payloads. This role involves mechanical analysis, architecture definition, specifications and ICD development with supporting trade studies.

You will lead mechanical design teams, perform trade studies, author design reviews (PDR/CDR), and collaborate with manufacturing and procurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field with strong design background.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant space optics/mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience designing for space environments (temperature, vacuum, radiation).

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of IR payload optics and mounts for space systems.
• Generate specifications, perform trade studies, and participate in design reviews (PDR/CDR).
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Procurement during build and test.
• Mentor junior engineers and review team work.
• Contribute to risk assessment and mitigation planning.

Skills

Mechanical design leadership

3D CAD modeling

Cross-functional leadership

Cryogenic optical systems experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Degree in related field

Tools

PTC Creo

SolidWorks

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

44003

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

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. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) or Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) . For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights_10_20.pdf) or Spanish (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf) .