Scientist, Mechanical Engineer (Space Mechanisms) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max)
L3HARRIS Technologies
Wilmington, MA · Posted October 1, 2026
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About the job
Job Title: Scientist, Mechanical Engineer (Space Optical Mechanisms) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max)
Job Code: 43886
Job Location: Wilmington, MA
Job Schedule: 9/80 (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 is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic senior Mechanical Engineer to support customer-funded programs and internal research efforts within our Space, Superiority and Imaging Division. Our Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance solutions serve a broad array of government, civil, and commercial customers by enhancing information superiority, contributing to our national security and providing actionable data for the protection of property and human life. We specialize in high-reliability airborne and space-based remote sensing payloads that offer active and motion imaging and data processing, exploitation and dissemination. We also provide solutions that map and monitor the earth for a variety of commercial and governmental users.
Mechanical Engineer to perform design, development, analysis, and manufacturing tasks on complex mechanical hardware including precision space structures and mechanisms in a program team environment. Program support and technical leadership over requirements definition, concept generation, material and finish selection, trade studies, design sensitivity/optimization studies, preliminary and detailed design, design sensitivity and tolerance analysis, design documentation, Bill of Materials (BOM) management, and assembly/integration and testing. Candidate must be in an expert in 3D modeling, design for manufacturing and ability to work independently or within a multi-disciplined team environment.
In this role the candidate will:
Design high-precision and complex space opto-mechanical telescopes hardware as part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT). Hardware variety spans machined components, composite structures, deployable mechanisms, opto-mechanical support structure, bearings, capital tooling and fixturing, launch mechanisms
Leverage high reliability, flight-proven, heritage design concepts in order to produce high quality designs within an aggressive timeline
Lead and participate in technical team reviews and technical review boards
Interface with outside suppliers/customers and other engineering disciplines to drive designs to closure (Structural, Thermal, Electrical, Manufacturing, Integration and Testing, Quality, Configuration Management).
Present design details at program reviews to customers and independent reviewers.
Develop and perform testing to show proof-of-concept and/or qualification of new designs.
Support production operations with design of tooling, test equipment, and shop aids.
Provide regular status updates to Program Management and Project Engineers on cost and schedule performance.
Essential Functions:
Establish and manage performance and error budgets for mechanism designs
Perform mechanism sizing and torque margin calculations using applicable standards such as AIAA S-114A-2020 and/or NASA-STD-5017
Design launch lock and restraint systems, including low-shock and FOD-conscious solutions
Select lubricants and materials appropriate for spaceflight and contamination-sensitive optical environments
Design hardware for vacuum, thermal extremes, cleanliness, and high reliability
Create and maintain engineering documentation including models, drawings, BOMs, analyses, test plans, and reports
Support root cause investigations, nonconformance resolution, and corrective action activities when needed
Able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Security Clearance
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Control Systems, or related disciplines from an ABET-accredited program 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.
7+ years in CAD modeling and design tools
Prior or current experience with spaceflight mechanism applications
5+ years of professional experience leading a multi-disciplinary mechanical engineering team through system requirements, design, analysis, test, hardware build, delivery and launch
Professional experience with analysis methods (FEA and hand-calculations) is required
Preferred Additional Skills:
Strong proficiency in design and 3D modeling of solids, surfaces, and assemblies (Creo, NX, Catia, Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor)
Proficiency in analysis FEA tools such as FEMAP, MSC Nastran, and/or ANSYS
Experience with Halpin Engineering’s Orbis for bearing analysis
Experience with MATLAB for analysis automation and data processing
Proficiency in tolerance stack-up analysis for mechanical designs as well as GD&T.
Experience in design of space-based mechanical structures, mechanisms, and electronics packaging along with engineering drawing development.
Experience building hardware in a high reliability environment, working with technicians
Experience interfacing with machinist and designing parts for ease of manufacturing processes
Strong familiarity with component level, sub-assembly level, and assembly level product testing.
Proficiency with root cause corrective action (RCCA) tools (e.g. 5 why, fishbone)
Proficiency with risk management and mitigation tools such as Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Experience serving on a Material Review Board (MRB) – evaluate and disposition non-conforming hardware. Development of rework and structural repair procedures.
Experience in leading engineering teams from conceptual through detailed design phases
Proficiency working with a product data management (PDM) software, and familiarity with configuration management best practices
Familiarity with ISO 9000/AS-9100 Quality Management Systems and Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma fundamentals.
Proficiency with fundamentals of project management (e.g. budget, schedule, technical execution, risk management). Strong proficiency in MS project scheduling.
Training and mentoring of new hires and junior engineering staff members.
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. The salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, Cleveland Ohio, Vermont and Virginia is $126,500.00 - $235,500.00 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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