Senior Specialist, Optical Engineering

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, delivering end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

About the role

L3Harris is seeking optical engineers in Rochester, NY to work on a dynamic team developing EO/IR solutions. Responsibilities include supporting the synthesis, definition, analysis, design, development, integration, and test of electro-optic systems for airborne and ground surveillance systems. Candidates will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, and program management to design, develop, and build high-performance systems.

Responsibilities

• Optical Sensor System Analysis and Design, including developing new optical sensor payloads for customer contracts and internal IR&D programs.
• Utilize tools and procedures for Optical Design, Analysis, Integration, and Test.
• Provide Optical Engineering expertise to support manufacturing tasks and issues.
• Document and control optical tools and procedures.
• Develop and maintain technical connections with other optical Systems groups, industry, and academic partners.
• Prepare design specifications, analyses, and recommendations for formal review and approval.
• Analyze, develop, and recommend design approaches to meet production requirements for new or improved products and processes.
• Interface with mechanical, electrical, software, and system engineers to provide engineering analysis and design from product inception to released fabrication drawings.
• Support product development and proposals for conceptual layouts and cost estimation.
• Complete documentation and BOMs to support the lifecycle of new or improved designs.
• Support existing product designs through the production cycle by incorporating engineering change orders (ECO).

Ability to obtain a US government security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience.
• Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of mathematical analysis codes (Matlab, Mathematica, MathCad, etc.).
• Understanding of IR detectors (well fill, NUC, SNR, etc.).
• Understanding of radiometry (e.g., radiant intensity, NEI).
• Experience with Modtran to model relevant environments.
• Experience with systems testing of EO/IR products.
• Ability to work with algorithm developers and understand how optical hardware and algorithms integrate.
• Knowledge of optical part fabrication processes.
• Knowledge of stabilization, guidance, and control.
• Optical integration and troubleshooting.
• Engineering of aerospace products.
• Strong mechanical and geo-spatial comprehension skills.
• System modeling using Matlab/Simulink.
• Technical acumen demonstrated through successful optical product and systems development involving complex requirements and multi-discipline input.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for multi-discipline engineering teams.
• Ability to prepare and present project status and results for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Creative problem-solving to integrate multiple disciplines or technologies into non-obvious system architectures meeting conflicting requirements.
• Strong organizational skills to plan, manage, and meet project deadlines while maintaining high standards.

Pay

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $97,000 - $180,000. Final offer amount may vary based on factors including experience and geographic location.

Schedule

9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off.

Benefits

• Health and disability insurance.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Education assistance.
• Parental leave.
• Paid time off.
• Company-paid holidays.

The specific programs and options available may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.