Sr. Specialist, Opto-Mechanical Engineer (Space Systems)

L3Harris Technologies; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

L3Harris is seeking a hands-on Sr. Specialist, Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design and develop space-based infrared sensors and precision opto-mechanical systems. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-performance space hardware and alignment-ready tooling.

The role emphasizes tolerance analysis, metrology, alignment budgets, and rigorous verification in a defense-focused environment. U.S.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience; a Graduate Degree with 4+ years is also acceptable.
• Alternatively, 10+ years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
• 2+ years of opto-mechanical analysis including tolerance and alignment budgets.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to detailed CAD modeling and mechanical design of opto-mechanical structures for IR sensors.
• Support integration of infrared sensors into spacecraft payloads with other engineering disciplines.
• Perform opto-mechanical analysis including tolerance, sensitivity studies, and alignment budgets.
• Develop and refine alignment tools, fixtures, and procedures for micron/arcsecond accuracy during assembly.
• Assist in creating build instructions, inspection guidelines, and verification documentation.
• Verify optical alignment, system performance, and environmental robustness via tests and metrology.
• Provide technical support during optical assembly, test campaigns, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Skills

Opto-mechanical analysis

CAD modeling

Alignment & metrology

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Zemax

Code V

OpticStudio

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.

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: Sr. Specialist, Opto-Mechanical Engineer (Space Systems)

Job Code: 45138

Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off!

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking a highly skilled hands-on Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of space-based infrared sensors and the special test equipment required to deliver high-performance solutions. The ideal candidate has experience with optical system architectures, opto-mechanical integration, and alignment methods used in precision applications. The Mechanical Engineer will perform design, development, analysis, and manufacturing tasks on complex mechanical hardware including precision space structures and mechanisms in a program team environment. This role requires technical depth, hands-on problem solving, and close collaboration across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Essential Functions

• Contribute to detailed CAD modeling and mechanical design of opto-mechanical structures supporting IR sensors.
• Support integration of infrared sensors into spacecraft payload assemblies, collaborating closely with thermal, structural, electrical, and systems engineering.
• Perform opto-mechanical analysis including tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and alignment error budgets.
• Develop and refine precision alignment tools, fixtures, and methodologies required to achieve micron level and arc second accuracy during sensor assembly and integration.
• Assist in developing alignment procedures, build instructions, inspection guidelines, and verification documentation.
• Execute verification of optical alignment, system performance, and environmental robustness through laboratory measurement, metrology, and test setups.
• Provide technical support during optical assembly, test campaigns, and troubleshooting of optical or alignment related anomalies.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• 2+ years of opto-mechanical analysis including tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and alignment error budgets.
• 2+ years of experience CAD modeling and mechanical design of opto-mechanical structures

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience designing for a space environment.
• Hold a current security Clearance
• Familiarity with precision metrology tools (interferometers, laser trackers, autocollimators, coordinate metrology systems like CMM/FARO).
• Understanding of space environmental qualification (thermal vacuum, random vibration, shock, radiation).
• Experience creating assembly tooling or fixtures for high accuracy optical systems.
• Proficiency in CAD and/or optical analysis tools (SolidWorks, Creo, Zemax, Code V, OpticStudio, or similar)
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and work effectively in cross functional teams
• Experience conducting analysis of space environments—including thermal gradients, vibration, radiation, and contamination—and their impact on optical performance and stability.

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.

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