Lead Systems Engineer, Mission Protection

L3Harris

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Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Springfield, VA
Salary
$127,500–$236,500 / yr
Posted
1 day ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today

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Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $172k
This role $182k
$114k most similar roles pay here $250k

This role pays more than 60% of similar roles. Most pay $149,468–$195,110 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $182k versus about $172k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About L3Harris

L3Harris Technologies is a US aerospace and defense technology company providing space and airborne systems, communications, electronic warfare, and missile propulsion solutions for government and commercial customers.

L3Harris currently has 583 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $106,500–$197,500 across 231 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Lead Systems Engineer, Mission Protection

Lead, Systems Engineer - Mission Protection serves as the primary authority for a mission-critical national security program, leading the contractor Mission Protection team to support sensitive space and ground capabilities. The role involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats across space, cyber, and ground segments to ensure asset survivability in contested environments. Daily responsibilities include conducting protection assessments, developing threat models, creating Concept of Operations documents, and managing risk frameworks. The individual will lead the team through red/blue team assessments, tabletop exercises, and program security reviews while coordinating with stakeholders on national-level guidance. Key competencies include threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and risk management. Technical expertise may involve orbital mechanics, System Tool Kit (STK) Level 2/3 certification, or Orbital Determination Tool Kit (ODTK). The role addresses the critical problem of protecting infrastructure against diverse cyber and physical threats.

What you'll do

  • Conduct mission protection assessments to identify vulnerabilities across space, cyber, and ground architectures.
  • Lead the development of mitigation plans and implement countermeasures aligned with mission assurance priorities.
  • Develop and maintain program-specific threat models, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and risk management frameworks.
  • Lead the contracting team through red/blue team assessments, tabletop exercises, and security reviews.
  • Coordinate with Department of Defense and Intelligence Community stakeholders to align protection efforts with national guidance.
  • Prepare briefings and documentation for senior leadership regarding threat assessments and mitigation strategies.
  • Integrate mission protection requirements into system architecture and lifecycle activities.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree and 9 years of experience, a graduate degree and 7 years of experience, or 13 years of experience without a degree.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly clearance.
  • 5 years of experience with threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and risk management.
  • 5 years of experience working with or supporting a Weapons and Tactics team.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Battlespace Awareness operations certification.
  • Graduate of Air Force Weapon School or Advance Instructor Course (AIC) (preferred).
  • DoW/NRO Systems Liaison / Field Representative (preferred).
  • Security clearance.

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