Lead, Mechanical Engineer (Thermal) - Space Optics

About the role

L3Harris is seeking an experienced and highly accomplished Lead Thermal Engineer to lead spacecraft‑level thermal design, modeling, and analysis activities for advanced space‑based electro‑optical missions. This role is responsible for architecting and validating thermal solutions that ensure mission success across multiple orbital environments. The ideal candidate is a recognized technical expert capable of driving complex spacecraft thermal strategy, mentoring engineers, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Position is on‑site in Palm Bay, FL or Fort Wayne, IN.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for spacecraft‑level thermal design, defining architecture, strategies, and requirements for high‑reliability space vehicles.
• Develop detailed thermal models and analyses for all mission phases, including worst‑case hot/cold environments, eclipse conditions, orbital variations, and mission‑specific scenarios.
• Lead creation and validation of thermal control hardware—including radiators, coatings, heat pipes, surface finishes, insulation, heaters, and conductive interfaces.
• Own thermal performance budgets and flow‑down of requirements to payloads, avionics, structures, and propulsion subsystems.
• Evaluate thermal impacts of system trades, configuration changes, power profiles, and operational timelines.
• Direct development of thermal math models using industry-standard tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ESATAN‑TMS, or equivalent.
• Provide leadership during spacecraft hardware build, integration, and test—including thermal vacuum (TVAC) planning, execution, anomaly resolution, and correlation of test results to analysis.
• Guide environmental considerations for space platforms including radiation, conduction, convection‑free behavior, material properties, surface degradation, and mission life effects.
• Act as a cross‑functional leader, collaborating closely with systems engineering, mechanical design, power, RF, digital hardware, manufacturing, and mission assurance teams.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers, establishing best practices and driving continuous improvement in thermal engineering processes.
• Prepare high‑quality documentation including thermal requirements, analysis reports, review packages, test plans, and verification matrices.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience.
• Graduate Degree in Engineering and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• 5+ years professional experience