Sr Specialist, Thermal Analyst Mechanical Engineer (Space Systems)
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. ## Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for qualified applicants ## Job Description L3Harris is seeking a Thermal Analyst for spaceborne precision optics, mirrors and cryogenic optical systems for IR payloads.
This role includes completing thermal analysis of entire payloads as well as detailed module analysis and support of the thermal architecture development and supporting trade studies. This role will include leading small teams of thermal analysts in accomplishing the above assignments.
The role includes thermal analysis of circuit cards and chassis with medium to high thermal density in Spaceborne applications. ## Essential Functions - Responsible for thermal analysis of precision optics for IR payloads including optical mirrors, mirror mounts, windows, filters, focal plane mounts and telescopes for cryogenic applications. - Develop detailed thermal models and analyses for all mission phases, including worst case hot/cold environments, eclipse conditions, orbital variations, and mission specific scenarios - Direct development of thermal math models using industry-standard tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ESATAN TMS, or equivalent - Provide leadership during spacecraft hardware build, integration, and test - including thermal vacuum (TVAC) planning, execution, anomaly resolution, and correlation of test results to analysis - Collaborate with design engineering and test engineering for the build and test of subsystems and payloads. - Leadership of thermal analysis teams for IR payloads and mechanical subsystems - Author thermal analysis sections of PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews - Author thermal analysis sections of CDRL’s and SDRL’s and other compliance documents for customers. - Assist with schedule, cost, and technical leadership of major subsystems and payloads - Complete cost estimation of thermal analysis BOE’s for proposals - Participate in risk assessment and development of mitigation strategies for complex optical payloads. - Collaborate across functions to minimize gaps in requirements, responsibilities and payload performance. - Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security Clearance - Up to 10% of travel may be required ## Qualifications - Bachelor’s Degree in STEM 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. - 4+ years experience in thermal analysis and testing for aerospace environments (temperature and vacuum) - 3+ years experience with Thermal Desktop (TD) thermal analysis tool ## Preferred Additional Skills - Experience with circuit card and chassis level thermal analysis for Space - Experience with Creo 4 or Solidworks - Prior IR/cryogenic optical / thermal analysis experience including STOP analysis. - Prior experience in developing thermal control structures and systems such as Radiators, heat pipes networks, thermal straps, cryocoolers or thermal sub-assemblies is strongly desired - Prior experience doing thermal analysis of optical payloads supporting the optimization of heat rejection, power consumption and low mass. #LI-RK1 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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