AI use among architectural and engineering managers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for architectural and engineering managers: 3% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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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.

Job Title: Director, Engineering Management (HW Engineering Discipline Lead)

Job Code: 45829

Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Job Description:

For more than 60 years, L3Harris Technologies has been at the forefront of space innovation, developing mission critical technologies for missile warning and weather detection that protect lives and property around the world every day. We are currently seeking a highly accomplished engineering leader to oversee a large, multi-disciplinary hardware organization within our growing Spectral Solutions division within the Space Systems Sector. This role leads 200+ engineers across mechanical and electrical disciplines supporting the development and delivery of advanced infrared payloads and space vehicle systems for the missile defense and global weather missions.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical credibility, proven organizational leadership, and the ability to operate both strategically and tactically. This leader will define and communicate a compelling vision, influence senior leaders, and build a high-performing engineering organization through effective hiring, mentoring, and talent development.

This role is central to shaping the future of space hardware development as the market continues to evolve from bespoke, exquisite systems toward more proliferated and production-oriented architectures. The successful candidate will bring the judgment to balance technical performance with cost, schedule, manufacturability, and mission assurance.

This position is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a Northeast Indiana engineering hub offering an average commute of under 20 minutes, a housing market consistently recognized as among the more affordable in the U.S., an extensive parks and trail system, and a growing downtown that features local restaurants, arts, and year-round community events.

Essential Functions:

Lead a large, geographically distributed hardware engineering organization spanning mechanical, thermal, structural, materials, analog, digital, power, reliability, and radiation disciplines

Provide leadership across the full product lifecycle, including capture, design, procurement, assembly, integration, test, qualification, delivery, and post-delivery support

Drive execution across a portfolio of space programs ranging from exquisite, high-reliability missions to faster-turn demonstration efforts

Develop and execute organizational strategy for technology, talent growth and succession, and continuous improvement

Partner with business, program, supply chain, and technical leaders

Communicate effectively with executives, customers, and technical teams to align vision, priorities, and execution

Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Willingness to travel 10% - 20%

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field with a minimum of 15 years of prior relevant experience; or Graduate Degree with a minimum of 13 years of prior related experience; or in lieu of a degree, 19 years of prior related experience

Preferred Additional Skills:

Experience with electro-optical or infrared payload systems

Experience leading large engineering teams across multiple hardware disciplines

Experience in space hardware or other high-reliability mission technology development

Experience with complex space-based designs including electro-optical payloads

Experience with design for manufacturability, low-rate initial production, and transitioning from development to production

Experience with ECAD, MCAD, and configuration management

Experience with cost estimating, resource planning, and Earned Value Management

Experience using leading indicators and metrics to drive product or organizational improvement

Demonstrated success scaling teams and building talent pipelines in support of growth

Experience applying lean principles, modern tools, and process improvements to engineering organizations

Experience working with supply chain and manufacturing to support supplier development, production readiness, and product acceptance

Experience developing new products for NASA, NOAA, USSF or other high-reliability customers

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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.

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