Lead, Systems Engineering

The Lead, Systems Engineer (SE) is responsible for technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, and troubleshooting of complex systems and subsystems. This role supports the requirements, design, development, testing, and integration of specialized hardware/software solutions across distributed environments. The ideal candidate brings experience in software engineering, AWS cloud technologies, Kubernetes orchestration, and networked systems, with the ability to support solutions deployed on ground and airborne communications platforms.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to obtain DoW Security Clearance.
• This position includes an expectation of 10 to 15% shift, on-call, or weekend work.
• Support the design of robust, scalable, and secure system solutions aligned with business and mission requirements.
• Contribute to the development and integration of software-based solutions using AWS, Kubernetes, and API-driven architectures across distributed environments.
• Assist with implementation of system and selected network changes, upgrades, and enhancements in accordance with project plans and technical requirements.
• Translate customer needs and operational objectives into system-level requirements and technical solutions.
• Support the design, development, and integration of cloud-native and containerized applications and services.
• Collaborate with software, infrastructure, network, and cross-functional engineering teams to support system integration, issue diagnosis, root cause analysis, and resolution.
• Monitor system, application, service, and network performance to help ensure reliability, availability, scalability, and maintainability.
• Apply requirements traceability practices to reduce risk and improve development, integration, and test outcomes.
• Assist in performing systems engineering analyses and trade studies to evaluate design options, technologies, and implementation approaches.
• Support evaluation of technical trade study results for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with system requirements.
• Contribute to subsystem, interface, software, and selected network specifications derived from higher-level system requirements.
• Evaluate alternative technical solutions and help define preliminary system and software designs.
• Review architecture diagrams, interface definitions, API specifications, and technical documentation to ensure traceability to system requirements.
• Support troubleshooting of complex system and network issues affecting application availability, connectivity, performance, and stability.
• Demonstrate familiarity with core networking concepts such as LAN/WAN, IP routing, VPNs, and secure communications environments.
• Develop and execute test procedures for systems, software, APIs, cloud, containerized, and network-integrated capabilities to verify performance and compliance with requirements.
• Prepare and deliver presentations that communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines to design cohesive, credible solutions and support integration within standards-based development environments.
• Prepare and maintain detailed system, software, API, cloud, deployment, and selected network documentation.
• Generate reports on system performance, technical issues, risks, and project progress.
• Must have the ability to design, develop, write, and troubleshoot software solutions using Python, Java, and other scripting languages to support automation, system integration, testing, and operational support activities.
• Working knowledge of Kubernetes, AWS services, software development practices, and API integration is required.
• Familiarity with networking technologies such as BGP, multicast, and Layer 2/Layer 3 VPNs is preferred., 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.

• Bachelor’s degree with 9 years of relevant Systems Engineering and/or Software Engineering experience, or Graduate degree with 7 years of related experience. In lieu of a degree, 13 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering for complex software-centric systems, including design, integration, verification, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated software development skills with the ability to write, debug, and troubleshoot applications, automation tools, and scripts using Python, Java, and other scripting languages.
• Demonstrated experience with AWS, Kubernetes, containerized environments, and API integration.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing software and system test plans, integration activities, and verification efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into system-level requirements and support requirements traceability.
• Demonstrated experience with technical documentation, interface definitions, and cross-functional engineering collaboration.
• Demonstrated familiarity with networking concepts such as LAN/WAN, IP routing, VLANs, VPNs, and BGP/OSPF.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and security frameworks such as NIST.
• Demonstrated experience supporting secure or government environments, including DoD systems or accreditation activities, is preferred.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance strongly preferred.
• Experience with AWS cloud services, cloud architecture, and containerized environments.
• Experience with Kubernetes deployment, orchestration, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, and other scripting languages for automation, integration, and support.
• Experience with API development, integration, and troubleshooting in distributed systems.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software development tools and practices.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and secure system deployments in regulated environments.
• AWS certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator are preferred.
• Kubernetes certifications such as Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), or Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) are preferred.
• Networking certifications or experience such as CCNP, Security+, Network+, JNCIP-SP, ACE-P, or PCNSA are a plus.
• Experience supporting DoD, classified, or mission-critical environments preferred.

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.