Scientist, Systems Engineer (Innovation CE)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 8, 2026. L3Harris Technologies scores A on the Alion truth index.
Job Title: Scientist, Systems Engineer (Innovation CE)
Job Code: 45899
Job Location: Rochester, NY
Job Schedule: 9-80 (Every other Friday off)
Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants
Job Description:
L3Harris' Space and Mission Systems is seeking a Chief Engineer with expertise in research & development for electro-optical payloads, subsystems, and software for mid to large aperature national, civil, and commercial space systems. The person in this position will be deployed as a Innovation Chief Engineer for a large business area within L3Harris, responsible for the technical strategy and technical execution of ongoing customer funded efforts. This includes all phases of technology development from mission and technology roadmapping, planning and execution of internal R&D, identifying and assisting with capture of external R&D, through technology insertion and implementation. The Innovation Chief Engineer will also be responsible for identifying broader functional needs for insertion and successful implementation of new technologies (process improvements, identification of capital needs, etc.).
Essential Functions:
- Application of knowledge of national, civil, and commercial space imaging missions to develop sensors, payloads, and space vehicles.
- Provide leadership on optical, electrical, and mechanical assemblies, and drive consistency within technology roadmaps and architectures in area of focus
- Drive innovation in technical competencies like segmented optical systems, composite optics, smart payloads, and on-board processing.
- Works with business development and business area leads to create and maintain technology roadmaps
- Develop and determine an execution plan for R&D projects consistent with the technology roadmaps, in alignment with XIS business strategy
- Identifies IR&D, CR&D, and process improvement efforts in alignment with technology roadmaps to create technology differentiators
- Provide mentorship to develop lower-level engineering staff into future SMEs
- Responsible for technical leadership and management of current R&D projects
- Identify areas of common technology needs across the division by working with other Innovation CEs within SSID
- Interface with Universities and Industrial partners for collaboration on development
- Identify emerging technologies
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or similar technical field or equivalent 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.
- 3+ years of functional management experience, leading a large team >50 resources across multiple disciplines
- Professional experience working with EO/IR space payloads
- Active TS/SCI security clearance required
Preferr ed Additional Skills:
- Strong multi-disciplinary technical breadth in Space and Optical Systems
- Understanding of precision optical component and subsystem requirements generation, manufacturing, and testing
- Ability to quickly understand missions, customer sets, drive strategy
- Experience in technical issue resolution, ability to ensure root cause is identified
- Experience with NDAs, Master Research Agreements, & other partnership agreements consistent with co-development projects
- Experience with development of detailed R&D plans and execution strategies
- Experience with or understanding of earned value metrics
- Experience successfully executing multi-site development efforts
- Able to present results and communicate with customers and senior management
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, and Vermont is $133,000.00 - $247,000.00. 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.