Specialist, Systems Engineering (Mission Protection) (TS/SCI w Poly)

L3HHCM20; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies in Springfield, Virginia, seeks a Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer — Mission Protection Specialist to identify, assess, and mitigate threats across space, cyber, and ground systems for national security missions.

The role requires OPSEC, counterintelligence and threat-based defense expertise, with the ability to work in classified environments and support 24/7 mission requirements. TS/SCI with CI Poly is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree required with 4+ years of related experience; alternative is 8+ years of related experience.
• Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly clearance required.
• Experience with threat modeling, vulnerability analysis and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mission protection assessments across space, cyber, and ground architectures.
• Collaborate with mission planners, operators, and partners to integrate protection strategies.
• Develop mitigation plans and implement countermeasures aligned with mission assurance priorities.
• Coordinate with DoD and IC stakeholders aligning with guidance and policies.
• Develop threat models, CONOPS, and risk management frameworks.
• Contribute to red/blue team assessments, tabletop exercises, and program reviews.
• Prepare briefings for senior leadership on threats and mitigation outcomes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a crew operations certification.
• Support classified operations centers to meet 24/7 mission requirements.

Skills

Threat modeling

Vulnerability analysis

Risk management

Security clearance TS/SCI

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate degree

Experience in lieu of degree

Job description

Job Title: Specialist, Systems Engineer — Mission Protection Specialist (Active TS/SCI w/ CI Poly Required)
Job Code: 40712
Job Location: Springfield, Virginia
Job Schedule: 5/8 Monday – Friday

Job Description

L3Harris Technologies is currently seeking a Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer — Mission Protection Specialist to support a high-visibility, mission-critical national security program. This position is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats to space, cyber, and ground systems supporting U.S. government missions.
The ideal candidate will apply operational security (OPSEC), counterintelligence, cyber defense, and threat principles to protect sensitive capabilities to ensure the survivability of U.S. assets in contested environments.

• Conduct mission protection assessments to identify vulnerabilities across space, cyber, and ground architectures.
• Collaborate with mission planners, operators, and mission partners to integrate protection strategies throughout the system lifecycle.
• Support the development of mitigation plans and help implement countermeasures aligned with mission assurance priorities.
• Coordinate with DoD and IC stakeholders to ensure protection efforts are synchronized with national-level guidance and classification policies.
• Develop and maintain program-specific threat models, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and risk management frameworks.
• Contribute to red/blue team assessments, tabletop exercises, and program security reviews.
• Prepare briefings and documentation for senior leadership on threat assessments, mitigation strategies, and mission assurance outcomes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a crew operations certification.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in classified operations centers, supporting 24/7 mission requirements when needed.

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.
• Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly clearance required.
• Experience with threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and risk management.

Experience working with or supporting a Weapons and Tactics (W&T) team, with familiarity in integrating protection strategies.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Graduate of Air Force Weapon School or Advance Instructor Course (AIC).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior stakeholders.
• DoD/NRO Systems Liaison / Field Representative.
• Strong Orbital Mechanics Background.
• System Tool Kit (STK) Level 2/3 Certification; Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK).

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia – Greater Washington, D.C. Area $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.