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Scientist, Thermal Analyst Mechanical Engineer (Space Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max)

L3HARRIS Technologies

Wilmington, MA · Posted October 15, 2026

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About the job

Job Title: Scientist, Thermal Analyst Mechanical Engineer (Space Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max)

Job Code: 45767

Job Location: Wilmington, MA

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

Sign-On Bonus: A sign-on bonus of up to $50K may be included as part of an offer package for this level

Job Description:

L3Harris has an opportunity for a senior level Thermal Analyst to join our talented engineering organization. Scientist engineers are technical leaders 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. Scientist level engineers possess in-depth understanding of aerospace thermal engineering technology and payload architectures for spacecraft sub-systems and instruments. These talents are used to direct and oversee teams who specialize 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. You will 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 payload level design, development and integration, system level thermal design development and 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 upon being hired

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.

5+ years experience utilizing thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop (preferred), Sinda, Thermal Fluent, Icepak, etc.

Professional experience with thermal vacuum testing

5+ years experience working on aerospace/space programs

Preferred Additional Skills:

Active TS/SCI clearance is 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 $146,000.00 - $271,000.00. 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.

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