Sr Specialist, Structural Mechanical Engineer (Space Optical Payloads)
The posting names a Secret clearance.
The posting offers relocation and a 9/80, 4/10 or other compressed week. More space jobs with relocationMore with a 9/80 schedule
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.
Job Title: Sr Specialist, Structural Mechanical Engineering (Space Optical Payloads)
Job Code: 45904
Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN (On-site)
Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off
Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants
Job Description
L3Harris is seeking a dynamic and structural analyst for spaceborne precision optics, mirrors and mounts, and cryogenic optical systems for IR payloads. This role Includes completing structural analysis of entire payloads as well as detailed module analysis and support of the structural architecture development and supporting trade studies.
Essential Functions
- Collaborate with design engineering and test engineering for the build and test of subsystems and payloads.
- Leadership of mechanical analysis teams for IR payloads and mechanical subsystems
- Author mechanical analysis sections of PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews
- Author mechanical 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 mechanical 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 20% of travel may be required
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in engineering 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.
- Professional xperience in mechanical analysis and testing for space/aerospace environments
- Professional experience in 3D CAD design
- Professional experience with vibration test events and fixture analysis efforts
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Preferred Additional Skills
- Active Secret Security Clearance highly preferred
- Dynamic and structural analysis experience in spaceborne systems
- Experience with Creo 4 or Solidworks
- Prior IR/cryogenic optical / mechanical analysis experience including STOP and jitter.
- Prior experience in developing optical alignment and metering structures or major sub-assemblies is strongly desired
- Excellent people skills, with experience leading and collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
- Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, & presentation)
- Prior experience doing mechanical analysis of precision structures supporting the optimization for stiffness and low mass and strength
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.
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