This role pays more than
83%
of similar roles. Most pay
$133,875–$193,325
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$218k
versus about
$164k
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
470 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$106,500–$197,500
across 185 roles with salary data.
Scientist, Systems Engineering serves as a technical leader and primary responsible engineer for National Security Agency certified cryptographic products. The role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams through the entire lifecycle of secure communications systems, from requirements definition and concept development to integration and verification. Key responsibilities include designing secure network architectures, implementing encryption mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with Information Assurance Security Related Design (IASRD) and Security Evaluation Requirements Document (SERD) standards. The position requires expertise in system engineering, firmware design, software design, and electronic hardware design. Candidates must possess deep knowledge of cryptographic algorithms, protocols, threat modeling, and cybersecurity controls while balancing security with performance and reliability. Essential skills include performing architectural trade studies, managing technical risks, and coordinating across hardware, software, and production teams to deliver certifiable secure communications solutions for national security applications.
What does a Scientist earn?
Median $141600 from 30 postings across 9 companies.
Lead development teams in defining requirements and conceptualizing secure communication system architectures.
Serve as the primary responsible engineer for National Security Agency certification of cryptographic products.
Design and validate secure network architectures, segmentation strategies, and encryption mechanisms.
Manage technical, certification, and program risks by developing effective mitigation strategies.
Conduct system performance analyses and architectural trade studies to verify behavior under security constraints.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers across multiple multi-disciplinary teams.
Present technical data and architecture decisions at internal and customer reviews.
Coordinate between hardware, software, firmware, and production teams to ensure integrated solutions.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree and 12 years of experience, a graduate degree and 10 years of experience, or 16 years of experience without a degree.
Active Secret Security Clearance.
Experience in security engineering, systems engineering, network engineering, or related technical roles (preferred).
Experience certifying products to National Security Agency standards, including IASRD and SERD requirements (preferred).
Experience in systems engineering, electronic hardware design, firmware design, or software design for encrypted communications (preferred).
Knowledge of secure system design, communication networks, cybersecurity controls, threat modeling, and cryptographic algorithms/protocols (preferred).
Ability to analyze risk and apply security controls while balancing performance and reliability (preferred).
Cryptographic Algorithms
Security Architecture
key-management
Black-box Testing
Agile
Systems Engineering
verification, and validation
Secure Communication Protocols
AI
Cybersecurity Devices
Systems Engineering
Avionics
Electronic Hardware
MBSE
Open Systems Architecture
DOORS
Requirements Management
Verification and Validation
Interface Definition
Risk Management
Trade Studies
Earned Value Management
Integrated Master Schedules
Cybersecurity
Information Assurance