Sr. Manager - Technical Engineering (Ground Based Space Systems)

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. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: SDA Architecture & C2 – Technical Manager

Job Code: 40315

Job Location: Colorado Springs, CO  

Schedule: 9/80 (Every Other Friday Off)

Job Description:

The SDA Architecture & C2 – Technical Manager leads and directs experienced engineering professionals supporting the development, integration, and operation of ground-based space systems. The candidate will lead portfolio execution and workforce development across system architecture, integration, test, and operational deployment activities. The role includes hiring, staffing, career and talent development, and fostering a positive, collaborative, and high‑performing engineering culture. The candidate will manage the implementation of technical strategies and recommend operational plans that directly impact execution across their area of focus and the programs their team’s support.

Essential Functions:

• Provide functional management for 15–25 engineers supporting architecture development, systems engineering, integration, test, and operations for space-ground systems.
• Provide engineering staffing and labor planning for programs, pursuits, and internal projects related to mission control, satellite operations, data processing, and command and control (C2) capabilities.
• Lead training, talent development, engagement, retention, and overall management of the workforce, including coaching and leadership development for a team of individual contributors.
• Ensure program execution plans are met by working closely with technical teams deployed across multiple projects.
• Support pursuits and proposals, including review and approval of technical proposals and Basis of Estimates (BOEs) as required.
• Oversee system architecture decisions, technical risk identification, and development of mitigation strategies.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders, supporting design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and cross‑program collaboration.
• Champion engineering best practices, process discipline, quality, and safety across the team.
• Role is based in Colorado Springs, with potential travel to customer sites and program locations.

Qualifications:

• Requires broad management and leadership knowledge to lead cross-department project teams or manage across the function. Typically has mastery within a specific technical area or broad expertise across multiple related job areas. Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 12 years of prior related experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
• Experience directly managing employees in an integrated engineering organization. 
• Experience with Ground Based Radar System Design and Integration
• Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Active TS/SCI security clearance is preferred. 
• Familiarity with agile development and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools.

• Experience in Engineering leadership capacity (Supervisor, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, Project Engineer, Control Account Manager). 

• Experience providing staffing for programs, pursuits, and internal efforts 

• Ability to coach, mentor and build relationships with internal and external organizations. 
• Experience with AI/ML applications in ground systems is a plus.