Lead Systems Engineer

Lead Systems Engineer

Location: Mason, OH
Job Code: 30664
Job Schedule: 9/80 (off every‑other Friday)

Job Description

The Lead Systems Engineer (SE) is a pivotal role that blends the skills of a project manager with the expertise of a technical leader. The Lead SE manages the technical aspects of a specific project or effort, ensuring technical, schedule and cost targets are met. The position requires a dynamic individual who can navigate multiple phases of a product’s lifecycle, including pursuit, development, production and post‑delivery support. The Lead SE coordinates and leads the engineering product development activities, plans, schedules and directs engineering support of assigned projects, and maintains open and clear communication with the PM, engineering function and assigned team members, suppliers and customers.

Essential Functions

• Develop and manage project plans, schedules and budgets to ensure project objectives are met on time and within cost constraints and scope.
• Responsible for technical baseline development, resource identification, allocation and management of team through a matrix structure.
• Lead the technical development of the program, serving as the focal point for all engineering development, product definition, resource allocation, task assignment and completion, problem solving and decision making necessary to accomplish project charter.
• Engage with cross‑functional leaders, advocating the program’s needs and priorities while working with leadership to accommodate competing division demands.
• Interface and work closely with customers on technical and contractual requirements, anticipating and fulfilling customer needs to ensure 100% satisfaction and continued business expansion; negotiate as required and obtain positive resolution.
• Work with the PM and Proposal Lead to decompose business case and customer contract requirements into Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements, support the development of detailed Basis of Estimates (BOEs), construct viable schedule (IMS), determine technical deliverables and associated program risks and opportunities.
• Support various meetings and reviews necessary to meet business objectives and commitments.
• Proactively engage in risk management to identify potential issues and develop mitigation strategies.
• Measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools and techniques (e.g., EVM).
• Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement and excellence in project execution.
• Ensure alignment and compliance with company policies, procedures and quality standards.
• Understand configuration management as it applies to product documentation.
• Capable of managing a fast‑paced, demanding environment focused on problem resolution and process improvement.
• Collaborate effectively with operations, quality, program management and business development functions across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, Computer or related Engineering discipline with a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience, or Graduate Degree with a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience; if no degree, a minimum of 13 years of related experience.
• Proven work experience as a Systems Engineer, Project Engineer or similar role.
• Experience as a control account manager (CAM).
• At least 2 years of Earned Value Management System (EVMS) experience.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Four years or more of experience using Root Cause Analysis techniques.
• Ability to obtain security clearance from the U.S. Government, requiring U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Additional Skills

• MS Project experience (generating and maintaining project schedules).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Excellent client‑facing and internal communication skills.
• Power BI experience.
• StaffIT experience.
• Military customer experience.
• Experience with space or sensor products.

Equal Opportunity Employer

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

L3Harris Technologies is an E‑Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.