Specialist, Systems Engineering (Mission Protection) (TS/SCI w Poly)

Location: Springfield, Virginia

About the role

L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer – Mission Protection Specialist to support a high‑visibility, mission‑critical national security program. The role focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats to space, cyber, and ground systems supporting U.S. government missions, applying OPSEC, counter‑intelligence, cyber defense, and threat principles to protect sensitive capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mission protection assessments to identify vulnerabilities across space, cyber, and ground architectures.
• Collaborate with mission planners, operators, and partners to integrate protection strategies throughout the system lifecycle.
• Support development of mitigation plans and implement countermeasures aligned with mission assurance priorities.
• Coordinate with DoD and IC stakeholders to synchronize protection efforts with national‑level guidance and classification policies.
• Develop and maintain program‑specific threat models, CONOPS, and risk management frameworks.
• Contribute to red/blue team assessments, tabletop exercises, and program security reviews.
• Prepare briefings and documentation for senior leadership on threat assessments, mitigation strategies, and mission assurance outcomes.
• Obtain and maintain a crew operations certification as required.
• Work independently and collaboratively in classified operations centers, supporting 24/7 mission requirements when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years relevant experience, or graduate degree with at least 2 years relevant experience, or 8 years relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph required.
• Experience with threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and risk management.
• Experience supporting a Weapons and Tactics (W&T) team and integrating protection strategies.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Graduate of Air Force Weapon School or Advanced Instructor Course (AIC).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing senior stakeholders.
• DoD/NRO systems liaison or field representative experience.
• Strong background in orbital mechanics.
• System Tool Kit (STK) Level 2/3 certification; Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK) proficiency.

Pay

Salary range for Virginia – Greater Washington, D.C. Area: $92,500 – $171,500. Final offer may vary based on experience, location, and other factors.

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

Schedule

5/8 schedule, Monday – Friday.