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

L3Harris Technologies; Wilmington (MA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 271,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonus up to $50K

Job summary

L3Harris Space Systems is seeking a Sr Technical Manager to lead hardware development for advanced space-based ISR and remote sensing programs. You will oversee a high‑performing mechanical engineering team guiding concepts to build and launch-ready space payloads, balancing cost and schedule with technical rigor.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, team growth, and ensuring mission success across cross‑functional program teams, with travel under 10%.

Qualifications

• ABET-mechanical engineering degree with 12+ years experience or graduate degree with 10+ years.
• Experience leading mechanical design for aerospace/defense programs.
• Guiding thermal or structural modeling and design methods into mechanical design.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools and CREO.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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%).

Skills

Mechanical design leadership

Engineering team leadership

Thermal/structural analysis

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree

Graduate degree in related field

16+ years of related experience without a degree

Tools

CREO

3D CAD tools

Engineering change processes

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

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.