Lead, IPTL Software Engineer (Optical Space Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($30K max)
The posting names a Top Secret clearance.
About the role
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 $30K may be included as part of an offer package for this level
****
****
****
Job Description
This role leads a Software Integrated Product Team (IPT) within the Space & Mission Systems Segment of L3Harris for our Wilmington MA location. The team develops, integrates, and tests flight software and Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) software for space-based EO/IR and optical payloads. The ideal candidate has a strong background in space domain, including embedded and real-time software, RTOS environments such as VxWorks, and development of EGSE and test systems for optical payload integration and test. This role requires technical leadership across the full software lifecycle, with responsibility for technical execution, cost, schedule, integration, and risk management.
Essential Functions
- Lead the Software IPT responsible for flight software and EGSE software development for space payload programs.
- Provide technical, cost, and schedule leadership across all phases of software development, integration, test, and delivery.
- Coordinate with Program Management, Systems Engineering, Electronics, FPGA, Integration & Test, and other cross-functional teams.
- Lead software planning, architecture, execution, and staffing for embedded, real-time, and test software efforts.
- Oversee development of software for payload command and telemetry, mode control, hardware interfaces, and EGSE/test automation.
- Ensure program deliverables are met through technical oversight, schedule management, cost tracking, and EVMS reporting where applicable.
- Lead risk management and RCCA activities for software and integration issues.
- Support software verification across SIL/HIL, bench, flatsat, and payload-level integration environments.
- Lead or participate in technical reviews, Independent Review Teams (IRT), and Agile/Scrum activities as needed.
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 9+ years of relevant experience; OR Graduate Degree with 7+ years of relevant experience; OR 13+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
- 7+ years experience in embedded software development, system design, debugging, and integration on aerospace applications
- Professional experience in full System lifecycle including requirements flow down and allocation, design, development, test, and sell-off.
- Professional experience with Agile methods, supplier management, and cross-functional execution.
- Experience in an IPT or lead role overseeing team technical, cost, and schedule responsibilities
Preferred Additional Skills
- Active U.S. Security Clearance is preferred but not required.
- PMP or Agile/Scrum certifications are a plus.
- Experience with RTOS (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RTLinux, QNX), simulators (TSIM, VxSIM, SIMIC, MATLAB Simulink), and programming languages (C/C++, Python, scripting).
- Experience with embedded command and control of mechanisms (e.g., shutters, motors, gimbals), embedded controllers (e.g., PIC, STM, TMS), serial communications (e.g., CAN, TCP/IP, RS422), and distributed messaging (TCP/UDP).
- Knowledge of MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo) and wideband/narrowband telemetry and messaging.
- Experience in estimating large software programs for new business opportunities.
- Experience in developing software for microcontrollers with interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, CAN).
- Develop, customize, and maintain Board Support Packages (BSP) for various hardware platforms.
- Integrate BSP components, including bootloaders, device drivers, and operating systems.
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $135,000.00 - $250,500.00. 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.
#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 .
Copied from the listing L3Harris published, verified 31 Oct 2026.
About L3Harris
Satellites, space sensors and rocket engines, inside a defense and aerospace prime.
Similar open roles

Manager, Information Security Management (opens the job details)
SES · Software & IT · Bucharest, Romania· 1d agoDetails

Security Officer (opens the job details)
Blue Origin · Supply Chain · Greater Seattle Area· 2w agoDetails
$21.03–$29.44/hr
Dream Chaser Flight Controller (Systems Engineer II) (opens the job details)
Sierra Space · Launch & Ops · Louisville, CO, United States· 4mo agoDetails
$94,090–$129,394.75/yr

Industrial Security Manager (opens the job details)
Millennium Space Systems · Supply Chain · El Segundo, CA· 1d agoDetails
$119,000–$175,000/yr
Experienced in Flight Software & GNC?
Space employers come to us looking for a particular skill, location or credential. Leave your details one time, at no cost, and we put you forward when a role matches, never without your yes.
L3Harris openings, sent to your inbox
Each week we send what L3Harris posted since the last email, with comparable openings at other space companies. No cost, and you can stop it with one click.
Hiring for L3Harris? Feature this role to get a marked Featured slot above the lists and the lead place in the weekly job email for 30 days. Pricing:$99 for a single role, or $299 to cover every role you have open. To see who else is hiring your disciplines and at what pay, read the monthly space hiring brief.