Sr. Specialist, Software Engineer
- Secret clearance
How this pay compares
This posting states $112k–$208k a year. Open software engineer jobs in California post a median of $180k a year, the middle half $155k–$212k, across 449 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 Description L3Harris Missile Solutions segment is seeking a Sr.
Specialist Software Engineer in Canoga Park, CA to lead software development projects and provide hands-on technical contributions for real-time embedded control software and application software supporting space and defense propulsion systems. In this role, the engineer will help shape propulsion control systems that enable critical national security and space exploration missions.
The position requires strong project and technical leadership across all phases of the software development lifecycle, including project planning, requirements definition, architecture and design, implementation, integration, and testing.
Responsibilities may include coordinating day‑to‑day technical activities, ensuring alignment across multidisciplinary teams, identifying and mitigating technical risks, mentoring junior engineers, and driving adherence to engineering standards and processes while contributing expert-level engineering support throughout development.
This role offers an excellent growth opportunity for a skilled software engineer ready to take on increasing technical leadership within a high-impact domain. ## Essential Functions - Lead a software development team responsible for requirements analysis, design, implementation, unit testing, and integration of embedded real-time control system and/or application software.
Provide technical guidance, oversee development activities, and mentor junior software engineers. Facilitate internal and customer reviews of software work products and assist in preparations for program milestone reviews. - Contribute to a software development team by performing requirements analysis, design, implementation, unit testing, and integration of embedded real-time control and/or application software.
Develop software documentation, support internal and customer reviews of software work products, and assist with preparation for program milestone reviews. - Drive software process improvement initiatives by analyzing software metrics, identifying process gaps, developing and evaluating improvement options, refining metric definitions and collection methods, and assessing industry tools and resources to advance organizational capability and maturity. - Have the ability to obtain a US Secret security clearance. - Travel up to 10% may be required to support test activities ## Qualifications - Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other related degree, and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience; or a Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience; or in lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. ## Preferred Additional Skills - 6+ years of experience in embedded real-time software, web applications, and/or other tool application development. - 6+ years of experience developing software in C/C++, C#, and/or SQL. - Strong written and verbal communication skills. - Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with levels of increasing leadership responsibility. - Real-time Operating System Experience (NI Linux, Integrity, Redhat Linux, QNX). - Communications Protocols (1553, TCP/IP, RS-422, SPI). - Experience with UML and design tools (Enterprise Architect / Rhapsody / Cameo). - Hardware and Software integration. - Working knowledge of laboratory test equipment (multi-meters, oscilloscopes, power supplies). - Familiarity with software development IDEs and lifecycle management tools. - Understanding of CMMI Level 3 or greater software processes.
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California is $111,500 - $207,500. 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-HJ1 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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