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L3Harris Technologies

Global defense contractor delivering aerospace tech

Sr Specialist - Thermal Analyst Mechanical Engineer, Space Systems

Thermal & Fluids EngineeringUpdated on Nov 14
Full-timeNo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in STEM and at least 6 years of relevant experience, or a graduate degree and at least 4 years of related experience; alternatively, at least 10 years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
  • At least 4 years of experience in thermal analysis and testing for aerospace temperature and vacuum environments.
  • At least 3 years of experience with the Thermal Desktop thermal analysis tool.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Perform thermal analysis of precision optics for infrared payloads, including optical mirrors, mirror mounts, windows, filters, focal plane mounts, and telescopes for cryogenic applications.
  • Develop detailed thermal models and analyses for all mission phases, including worst-case hot and cold environments, eclipse conditions, orbital variations, and mission-specific scenarios.
  • Direct development of thermal mathematical 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 planning and execution, anomaly resolution, and correlation of test results to analysis.
  • Collaborate with design engineering and test engineering on the build and test of subsystems and payloads.
  • Lead thermal analysis teams for infrared payloads and mechanical subsystems.
  • Author thermal analysis sections of preliminary design reviews, critical design reviews, and other required design reviews.
  • Author thermal analysis sections of Contract Data Requirements Lists, Supplier Data Requirements Lists, and other customer compliance documents.
  • Assist with schedule, cost, and technical leadership of major subsystems and payloads.
  • Complete cost estimates for thermal analysis basis-of-estimate proposals.
  • Participate in risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for complex optical payloads.
  • Collaborate across functions to minimize gaps in requirements, responsibilities, and payload performance.
  • Travel up to 10% as required.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with circuit-card and chassis-level thermal analysis for space applications.
  • Experience with Creo 4 or SolidWorks.
  • Prior infrared, cryogenic optical, or thermal analysis experience, including structural-thermal-optical-performance analysis.
  • Prior experience developing thermal control structures and systems such as radiators, heat-pipe networks, thermal straps, cryocoolers, or thermal subassemblies.
  • Prior experience performing thermal analysis of optical payloads to support optimization of heat rejection, power consumption, and low mass.

About the Company

L3Harris Technologies

Global defense contractor delivering aerospace tech

L3Harris Technologies provides advanced aerospace, defense, and space systems for governments and commercial customers. Its products include sensors, communications, and propulsion—such as tactical radios, night-vision gear, satellite payloads, missile defense, and space propulsion—delivered as integrated systems for operations across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The company blends legacy technologies from two joining giants with newer capabilities, faster acquisition cycles, and a focus on missiles, space, and resilient communications to field solutions quickly. Its goal is to be a trusted, scale-ready provider of next‑generation defense and intelligence capabilities for national security and related customers.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Melbourne, FL
Founded
1895

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