Scientist, Mechanical Engineer – Space Optical Mechanisms

L3Harris Technologies

Designing precision space opto-mechanical systems as a Mechanical Engineer for L3Harris Technologies. Involved in high-reliability aerospace projects, leading designs and technical initiatives.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeWilmington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $146,000 - $271,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design high-precision and complex space opto-mechanical telescopes hardware as part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT)
Perform design, development, analysis, and manufacturing tasks on complex mechanical hardware including precision space structures and mechanisms in a program team environment
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
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

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Control Systems, or related disciplines from an ABET-accredited program
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, especially related to optical systems
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

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health and disability insurance
401(k) match
Flexible spending accounts
EAP
Education assistance
Parental leave
Paid time off
Company-paid holidays

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

CAD modelingdesigndevelopmentanalysismanufacturingtestingFEAhand-calculationsmechanical hardwareoptical systems

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationteam collaborationproblem-solvingpresentation skillsstatus reportingcustomer interactionproject management

Certifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Aerospace EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Engineering MechanicsBachelor’s Degree in Control SystemsGraduate Degree in related disciplines