Senior Specialist, Systems Engineering (ATLAS Orbital Analyst)
- TS/SCI clearance
How this pay compares
This posting states $107k–$198k a year. Open systems engineer jobs in California post a median of $160k a year, the middle half $141k–$183k, across 217 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
About the job
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: Senior Specialist, Systems Engineering (ATLAS Orbital Analyst) Job Code: 45488 Job Location: Vandenberg Space Force Base, California Job Schedule: 5/8 Monday-Friday ## Job Description L3Harris Technologies currently has an opening for an Orbital Analyst at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), CA, supporting the Advanced Tracking & Launch Analysis System (ATLAS).
Support for ATLAS will include providing subject matter expertise in satellite space situational awareness (SSA) activities as an orbital analyst, including advanced understanding of orbit determination and satellite characterization systems and the use of data from a variety of phenomenologies, to assist the customer as needed.
It will also include supporting ATLAS users in performing ATLAS functions, maintaining an understanding of ATLAS operations and any issues impeding operations, and identifying and resolving issues with the ATLAS system in coordination with ATLAS engineering teams and other stakeholders. We have a long history of innovative and exceptional performance; we have earned our place as a trusted provider to our customers.
In this position, you will bring your orbital analyst background to a system engineering role where you can make a broad impact on programs and projects that are critical to our customers. ## Essential Functions - Possess an advanced understanding of satellite space situational awareness (SSA) activities as an orbital analyst, including orbit determination and satellite characterization systems, and the application of data from a variety of phenomenologies (e.g., radar, passive RF, optical, etc.), in order to assist customers as needed. - Support ATLAS users in performing ATLAS functions. - Maintain an understanding of ATLAS operations / status and identify system issues impeding ATLAS operations or user functions. - Support the resolution of integrated system issues in coordination with key stakeholders, applying cross-system expertise (e.g., ATLAS, message broker service, Data as a Service (DaaS), Platform / infrastructure, data sources, etc.) to assess impacts and conduct root cause analysis for issues impacting ATLAS operations. - Coordinate with the ATLAS System Operations (SysOps) team and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) on trouble tickets and all other issues related to ATLAS operations to ensure that issues with ATLAS functionality are being addressed in accordance with the operational unit’s and the ATLAS program’s priorities. - When needed, provide on-call (4-hour recall) support to assess ATLAS issues for cause and operational impact to inform key government decisions. ## Qualifications - Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience.
Graduate degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.
In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. - TS/SCI clearance required. ## Preferred Additional Skills - Experience with CAVENet and Astrodynamic Support Workstation (ASW). - Experience with SPADOC. - Experience with STK/Astrogator and Astrodynamics Standards. - Experience of Space Domain Awareness mission. - Experience with Spacecraft Operations/Orbit Analysis. - Knowledge of ephemeris and orbit determination.
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California is $106,500 - $197,500. 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. #LI-ZB1 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. L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer.
Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish . For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish .
From L3Harris's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About L3Harris
Satellites, space sensors and rocket engines, inside a defense and aerospace prime.
Pay on its listings: 41.4% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on L3Harris's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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