Demo

Lead, Systems Engineering (Propulsion)

Harris Corporation
Ashburn, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/17/2026
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: Lead, Systems Engineering

Job Code: 33245

Job Location: Ashburn, VA

Job Description:

As the Lead, Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for hardware and software requirements definition, decomposition, allocation, management, verification, and validation of technical products and systems with an emphasis on propulsion subsystem development, analysis, and testing for unmanned aircraft. Primary responsibilities for this role include being the primary interface for critical suppliers, evaluating and testing propulsion subsystems, conducting data analyses, and interfacing with the vehicle design team for integration.

The Agile Development Group (ADG) specializes in developing disruptive, next-generation technologies for advanced Unmanned Air Systems (UAS / UAV), advanced radar systems, next-generation weapon systems, and other RF sensor technologies.

Essential Functions:
  • Support development of propulsion subsystem, providing technical guidance to internal engineers as well as external suppliers
  • Help perform risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for complex projects
  • Create analyses that support system integration and engineering test efforts of propulsion systems
  • Develops or champions new systems, concepts, or technologies.
  • Perform trade studies on a variety of systems and components
  • Analyze data from ground, chamber and flight test efforts
  • Present results during internal and external program meetings
  • Responsible for requirements definition, flow-down and traceability for complex electronic systems
  • Participate in proposal activities both cost and technical
  • Obtain and maintain any additional clearances as required
  • Lifting up to 20 lbs
  • 10% travel may be required
  • Other duties as required

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance
  • System level design experience in which the applicant has been involved in the design and integration of complex hardware/software systems, the definition of multiple interfaces and been involved in the trades of multiple solution options
  • Hands-on experience being involved in system integration, engineering testing, and system performance characterization

Preferred Additional Skills:
  • Experience with and an understanding of aerospace systems, especially in the development of integrated hardware/software products
  • Strong knowledge of jet engine design, fuel system design, incompressible fluids modeling
  • Exposure to/experience with engine or fuel system testing
  • Experience leading a small team to complete assigned program tasking
  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering
  • Experience with Matlab, Simulink, LabView, Python, or C/C /C#
  • Experience in Control Account Management as part of an Earned Value Management System
  • Experience in unmanned aircraft or guided weapon systems
  • Experience with proposal development including generating basis of estimates
  • Experience in development of use cases developed from customer objectives and concepts of operations
  • Excellent people skills to include collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment
  • Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, & presentation)
  • Experience using Microsoft Office products

#LI-KB1

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. 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.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish . For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish .

Salary.com Estimation for Lead, Systems Engineering (Propulsion) in Ashburn, VA
$101,086 to $116,592
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