Sr Specialist, Thermal Analyst Mechanical Engineer (Space Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($20K max)
- $20,000 sign-on bonus
- TS/SCI clearance
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. ## Sign-On Bonus: A sign-on bonus of up to $20K may be included as part of an offer package for this level ## Job Description L3Harris has an opportunity for a Senior Specialist level Thermal Analyst to join our talented engineering organization.
Senior Specialist engineers are technical contributors across multidisciplinary teams of engineers to create the best overall system design including thermal design, analysis, and test of optical systems operating in harsh space and ground environments. Senior Specialist engineers possess understanding of aerospace thermal engineering technology and payload architectures for spacecraft sub-systems and instruments.
These talents are used to complete thermal analyses in conductive, convective, and radiative analyses, understanding of heat pipes, radiative heat transfer, and thermal control hardware design (thermal blankets, surface treatments, heater tapes, thermistors) and the interaction with optical structures in order to minimize optical errors, and achieve operational temperatures.
Senior Specialist engineers proficiently utilize state of the art custom software in conjunction with Thermal Desktop and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) packages and often mentor other Thermal Analysts in the use of such tools. ## Essential Functions - Knowledge of system level thermal design & development, payload level integration and test, and risk mitigation for space-based environments - Perform thermal design and analysis tasks on complex mechanical hardware including precision mechanisms, electro-mechanical devices, aerospace mechanism design, complex electronics packaging, supporting space-based deployable mechanisms, avionics, innovative thermal and ground based systems - Create and analyze design concepts using FEA & thermal analysis software. - Program support also includes requirements derivation and verification, system architecture development, loads derivation, trade studies, design sensitivity/optimization studies, preliminary and final design analysis, generation of analysis documentation (including presentation materials, and deliverable data packages), and leading system test activities - Organization of thermal design and analysis as an IPT lead; frequently interfacing directly with customer technical leads and management. - Documenting and presenting design & analysis results to customers at formal gate and design reviews. - Development of thermal test plans to manufacture and test payload sensor systems - Support new business opportunities and mentor junior level staff - Work multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing situations - Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance upon being hired ## Qualifications - Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science 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. - 3 years experience in thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop (preferred), Sinda, Thermal Fluent, Icepak, etc. - 1+ years experience with thermal vacuum testing - Professional experience working on aerospace/space programs ## Preferred Additional Skills - Active TS/SCI clearance preferred - Experience with thermal analysis of mechanical and electronic systems, in space, air or ground environments - Strong analytical skills with emphasis on using and/or directing finite element analysis (FEA) - Experience with finite element analysis software - Able to support design decisions with well documented engineering analyses and calculations - Able to analyze problems and to focus and drive down to the root cause of problems quickly - Experience as a lead engineer, project engineer, or IPT lead is a plus. - Experience with Microsoft office tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint 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 $102,000.00 - $189,000.00.
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. 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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