Scientist, Systems Engineering (Chief Systems Engineer)

Requirements:

• Bachelors degree and at least 15 years of relevant experience, or a graduate degree and at least 13 years of relevant experience; alternatively, at least 19 years of relevant experience without a degree.
• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance.
• Experience developing and managing system-level requirements and flowing them down to subsystems and components.
• Experience with DOORS and/or model-based systems engineering software such as CAMEO or MagicDraw.
• Experience leading large space programs throughout the system lifecycle.
• Experience with aerospace or defense systems, such as space payloads, spacecraft buses, ground systems, or environmental testing.
• Preferred: Technical expertise in electrical, mechanical, optical, or a comparable engineering discipline.
• Preferred: Experience with program project-management activities, including cost account management, earned value management, cost estimation, and schedule management.
• Preferred: Experience with data analysis and/or modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB or Python.
• Preferred: Experience architecting, analyzing, developing, and integrating end-to-end systems involving EO/IR, RF, space payloads, or spacecraft bus subsystems.
• Preferred: Ability to work on ITAR or EAR projects.
• Preferred: Active U.S. Government TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities:

• Lead concept-of-operations development and system requirements analysis, decomposition, and generation at multiple levels.
• Lead requirements traceability and develop test plans that address system requirements.
• Conduct design trade studies to inform technical decisions.
• Lead design reviews, including PDR and CDR.
• Lead integration and testing of electro-optical/infrared systems and associated hardware and software.
• Support or lead data analysis, modeling, and simulation.
• Assess customer and operational needs; define and coordinate system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters, and ensure compatibility across physical, functional, and program interfaces.
• Assess and mitigate program risks.
• Mentor less experienced systems engineers.
• Contribute to proposal activities.
• Plan, guide, and execute program work.

Technologies:

• Hardware
• Support
• LESS
• Matlab
• Python
• Security

More

We are L3Harris, a defense technology company delivering end-to-end solutions across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains to support national security missions. We foster an inclusive, engaging workplace focused on employee growth, community commitment, and work-life success. This Chief Systems Engineer role is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and follows a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. A sign-on bonus of up to $50,000 is offered. We are an equal opportunity employer and maintain a drug-free workplace; pre-employment substance testing and background checks may be conducted where permitted by law. Some roles require security clearance, which may be granted only to U.S. citizens, and conditional offers may involve a government security investigation and eligibility review.

last updated 43 week of 2026