Specialist, Systems Engineer ? Mission Protection Specialist

L3Harris Technologies is currently seeking a Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer ? Mission Protection Specialist to support a high-visibility, mission-critical national security program. This position is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats to space, cyber, and ground systems supporting U.S. government missions. The ideal candidate will apply operational security (OPSEC), counterintelligence, cyber defense, and threat principles to protect sensitive capabilities to ensure the survivability of U.S. assets in contested environments.

• Conduct mission protection assessments to identify vulnerabilities across space, cyber, and ground architectures.
• Collaborate with mission planners, operators, and mission partners to integrate protection strategies throughout the system lifecycle.
• Support the development of mitigation plans and help implement countermeasures aligned with mission assurance priorities.
• Coordinate with DoD and IC stakeholders to ensure protection efforts are synchronized with national-level guidance and classification policies.
• Develop and maintain program-specific threat models, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and risk management frameworks.
• Contribute to red/blue team assessments, tabletop exercises, and program security reviews.
• Prepare briefings and documentation for senior leadership on threat assessments, mitigation strategies, and mission assurance outcomes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a crew operations certification.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in classified operations centers, supporting 24/7 mission requirements when needed., 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 and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
• Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly clearance required.
• Experience with threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and risk management. Experience working with or supporting a Weapons and Tactics (W&T) team, with familiarity in integrating protection strategies.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Graduate of Air Force Weapon School or Advance Instructor Course (AIC).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior stakeholders.
• DoD/NRO Systems Liaison / Field Representative.
• Strong Orbital Mechanics Background.
• System Tool Kit (STK) Level 2/3 Certification; Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK).

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia - Greater Washington, D.C. Area $92,500 - $171,500.00. 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.

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.