Sr Technical Manager, Space Hardware (Space Optical Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max) 1

L3Harris; Wilmington (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonus up to $50K

Job summary

L3Harris Space Systems in Wilmington, MA (or Rochester, NY) seeks a Sr Technical Manager to lead hardware development of space-based ISR and remote sensing tech. You will guide a high-performing engineering team to bring complex opto-mechanical space systems from concept through design, build and launch.

You will shape technical direction, mentor engineers, manage budgets and schedules, and coordinate with customers and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with extensive aerospace/defense experience.
• 12+ years of relevant experience, or graduate degree with 10+ years, or 16+ years without a degree.
• Experience leading engineering teams through design, analysis, test, and launch.
• Experience with thermal or structural modeling and design methods.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools (CREO).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems.
• Experience with space structures, mechanisms, and high-reliability hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design high-precision spaceflight hardware including opto-mechanical structures, mechanisms, tooling, and fixtures.
• Provide technical leadership across requirements, concept development, design trades, detailed design, analysis, documentation, integration, and test.
• Guide and mentor engineers, allocate resources, improve processes, and support strategic planning.
• Lead technical reviews, present designs to customers and reviewers, and coordinate with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Support manufacturing and production with tooling, fixturing, test equipment, and shop aids.
• Contribute to proposals, estimates, schedules, and engineering change activities.
• Manage hiring, employee development, performance, and team engagement.
• Ensure projects meet customer commitments for cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Position will require some travel (less than 10%).
• Required Qualifications

Skills

Mechanical engineering

3D CAD tools (CREO)

Project management

Leadership

Thermal/structural modeling

Space systems experience

Security clearance ability

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

CREO

3D CAD tools

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: Sr Technical Manager, Space Hardware (Space Optical Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max)

Job Code: 41914

Job Location: Wilmington, MA or Rochester, NY

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

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Sign-On Bonus: A sign-on bonus of up to $50K may be included as part of an offer package for this level

Job Description:

Join L3Harris Space Systems and help shape the future of space innovation. In this role, you’ll lead the hardware development of advanced space-based ISR and remote sensing technologies that support critical government, civil, and commercial missions. As a Technical Manager, you’ll guide a high-performing engineering team in creating sophisticated opto-mechanical space systems and precision mechanisms that operate in some of the most demanding environments imaginable.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact—combining technical leadership with team development to bring complex space payload solutions from early concept through design, build, and launch. We’re looking for a strong mechanical engineering leader who thrives on solving challenging problems, driving innovation, and inspiring teams to deliver exceptional results.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design of high-precision spaceflight hardware, including opto-mechanical structures, mechanisms, tooling, and fixtures

• Provide technical leadership across requirements, concept development, design trades, detailed design, analysis, documentation, integration, and test

• Guide and mentor engineers, allocate resources, improve processes, and support strategic planning

• Lead technical reviews, present designs to customers and reviewers, and coordinate with suppliers and cross-functional teams

• Support manufacturing and production with tooling, fixturing, test equipment, and shop aids

• Contribute to proposals, estimates, schedules, and engineering change activities

• Manage hiring, employee development, performance, and team engagement

• Ensure projects meet customer commitments for cost, schedule, and technical performance

• Position will require some travel (less than 10%)

• Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program and 12+ years of relevant experience, or graduate degree and 10+ years, or 16+ years of related experience without a degree

• Professional experience in mechanical design for aerospace and defense programs

• Professional experience leading engineering functional teams through design, analysis, test, hardware build, delivery, and launch

• Professional experience in guiding/incorporating thermal or structural modeling and design methods, tools and results into a mechanical design

• Professional experience in 3D computer aided design tools

• Professional experience with project management including budget, schedule, and risk management

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

• Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance is desired

• Experience with optical systems

• Experience with space structures, mechanisms, and high-reliability hardware

• Familiarity with the 3D CAD tool CREO

• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis,

• Experience executing root cause analyses and corrective action plans

• Experience executing within quality systems such as AS9100

• Experience with developmental programs within the Space industry

• In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C. area, Denver, or NYC areas is $146,000.00 - $271,000.00. The salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, Cleveland Ohio, Vermont and Virginia is $126,500.00 - $235,500.00 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.

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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.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer.