Specialist, Systems Engineer - Unmanned Systems

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.

Job Title: Specialist, Systems Engineer - Unmanned Systems

Job Code: 44035

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday

Job Description:

Perform as a Systems Engineer as part of a multidisciplinary team tasked with the analysis, design and integration of L3Harris tactical radio-based communication systems and OEM equipment into customer assets with a focus on unmanned, fixed-wing, rotary, and ground mobile assets. Responsibilities include planning flight events and performing as the RPIC for both internal test efforts as well as customer-facing demonstrations. Support key pursuits and projects from initial concept and technical demonstration to program deliverables including key engineering artifacts such as requirements, design documentation, trade studies. 

The candidate will need to work collaboratively across the engineering organization as well as with other Communications Systems sectors to focus on the development of unique and novel solutions. Partnering closely with Business Development and Sales teams, Engineering Project teams and Engineering Subject Matter Experts to ensure consistent engineering design rigor, technical strategy, direction, and alignment with the business strategic plans.

Essential Functions:

• Perform core Systems Engineering tasks including technical baselines, trade studies, requirements management, design review, validation & verification, implementation, and customer support.
• Participate in technical briefings, design reviews and documentation reviews per standard development processes. Prepare for and participate in technical reviews and discussions.
• Perform as Remote Pilot in Command on a variety of mission profiles and aircraft types.
• Demonstration flight planning and post flight after action reporting
• Establish strategic working relationships with engineering project managers as well as functional teams and technical subject matter experts in the realm of RF and communication systems.
• Good written and verbal communications skills, acting as a liaison between engineering disciplines and our customers.
• Good time and priority management skills; collaborate and manage deliverables with other engineering and design teams including test, manufacturing, product management and program management.
• Assess and report technical tasking status, risks and issues up through engineering management.
• Direct customer and end-user interaction, proven and effective communications skills, interpersonal skills and customer focus are a must.
• Domestic and International travel in support of Systems programs and pursuits to be expected approximately 30-50%
• FAA Part 107 certified experienced UAS pilot with proficiency in both line-of-sight and First-Person View operations for multirotor unmanned platforms ranging from Group 1 to Group 3 UAVs
• Working knowledge of operations conducted in accordance with 14 CFR Part 107 regulatory requirements
• Proficient with flight safety procedures, hazard identification, and risk assessment methodologies
• Skilled in fixed-wing UAS piloting, mission planning, and operational execution
• Proficiency with Betaflight and ArduPilot flight control systems
• Experienced in PID tuning, blackbox log analysis, and flight performance optimization
• Strong technical understanding of UAV systems, including both airborne and ground control station components
• Hands-on mechanical assembly experience with UAV platforms and subsystem integration
• Knowledge of electrical systems and their integration within unmanned aircraft platforms
• Demonstrated attention to detail in system preparation, testing, and operational execution
• Strong technical documentation, reporting, and communication skills
• Able to adapt to dynamic and austere environments while maintaining composure under pressure; Proven ability to operate effectively in high-pressure situations and challenging mission environments
• Experienced in conducting flight tests and evaluating system performance, reliability, and handling characteristics

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 4 years 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.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with L3Harris radio systems; HF, VHF, UHF and SATCOM waveforms and concept of operations, performance characteristics and programming.
• Ability to partner with stake holders and team leaders to identify needs and develop marketable Tactical Communication System solutions which provide customer value.
• Working knowledge of military asset use cases, maneuvers, command structures, and signals doctrine. Experience participating in and supporting exercises on military installations, interacting with officers and enlisted personnel.
• Field engineering experience; international travel with customer-facing demonstration and testing efforts.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York State is $80,500 - $149,500. 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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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.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

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