Lead, Systems Engineer - Flight Safety Test Coordinator

About the job

Job Title: Lead, Systems Engineer – Flight Safety Test Coordinator Job Code: 45885 Job Location: Springfield, Virginia Job Schedule: 5/8 Monday-Friday

Job Description: L3Harris Technologies has an opening for a Flight Test Coordinator for an important National Security program. We are seeking a highly motivated and mission-focused individual to support orbital analysis and space test integration efforts within a dynamic operational environment. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative coordination to contribute to both real-time operations and long-term planning across the national security space enterprise. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the ideal candidate will support the planning, execution, and assessment of space-based mission activities, with a focus on orbital behavior analysis, tool validation, and test event support. A strong foundation in space systems, analytical tools, and mission operations is critical to success in this position. This role requires strong space domain awareness background, a deep understanding of Orbital Mechanics, Collision Avoidance (COLA), satellite operations, and the ability to operate in a dynamic, high-tempo environments.

Essential Functions: •    Conduct orbital analysis to support space situational awareness, anomaly resolution, and mission planning, leveraging both real-time and predictive modeling techniques. •    Utilize and evaluate automated analysis tools; conduct thorough testing and vetting of tool outputs to ensure accuracy, reliability, and operational readiness. •    Develop and maintain operational checklists to support repeatable, reliable mission execution and improve team readiness and consistency. •    Apply scripting capabilities (e.g., Python, MATLAB) to streamline analysis workflows, automate tasks, and enhance mission planning processes. •    Demonstrate a strong understanding of spacecraft and vehicle components, including the ability to assess potential vulnerabilities – particularly in systems with optical payloads (e.g., concerns may include stray light contamination, jitter, resolution limitations, or target obscuration from space environmental factors). •    Support and lead efforts to plan and execute space-related test events at the enterprise level, working with a range of stakeholders and senior decision-makers. •    Provide technical assessments and feedback on space mission design, operational testing, and post-test analysis activities. •    Coordinate across multiple government to ensure integrated planning, effective execution, and shared situational awareness in space operations. •    Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and emerging technologies.

Qualifications: •    Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience; Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience. •    Degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Optics or related field. •    Minimum of 6 years’ experience in orbital mechanics, including collision avoidance, and or satellite operations. •    3+ years’ experience with systems engineering processes, including vulnerability and/or orbit analysis. •    5+ years’ experience with government customers. •    Relevant project management experience leading a team. •    Relevant experience using flight safety tools. •    Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI Poly required.

Preferred Additional Skills: •    Strong networking and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with a diverse range of operators, planners, and senior-level stakeholders.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia - Greater Washington, D.C. Area is $106,500 - $197,500.00. 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.

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