Level 3 Communications, Inc

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

Level 3 Communications, Inc$92K — $171K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree with 4+ years relevant experience or Graduate Degree with 2+ years of experience; or 8+ years of relevant experience without a degree.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly security clearance required.
  • Experience in threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and risk management.
  • Familiarity with integrating protection strategies, especially working with Weapons and Tactics (W&T) teams.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct mission protection assessments to identify vulnerabilities in systems.
  • Collaborate with mission planners to integrate protection strategies across system lifecycles.
  • Support development of mitigation plans and implement countermeasures for mission assurance.
  • Coordinate with DoD and IC stakeholders to synchronize protection efforts with national guidelines.
  • Develop and maintain program-specific risk management frameworks and threat models.
  • Contribute to red/blue team assessments and program security reviews.
  • Prepare documentation and briefings for leadership on threat assessments and mission outcomes.

Benefits

  • Health and disability insurance.
  • 401(k) match.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Education assistance and parental leave.
  • Paid time off and company-paid holidays.
Full Job Description
Job Title: Specialist, Systems Engineer - Mission Protection Specialist (Active TS/SCI w/ CI Poly Required)
Job Code: 40712
Job Location: Springfield, Virginia
Job Schedule: 5/8 Monday - Friday


Job Description:

L3Harris Technologies is currently seeking a Senior Specialist, Systems Engineer - Mission Protection Specialist to support a high-visibility, mission-critical national security program. This position is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats to space, cyber, and ground systems supporting U.S. government missions.
The ideal candidate will apply operational security (OPSEC), counterintelligence, cyber defense, and threat principles to protect sensitive capabilities to ensure the survivability of U.S. assets in contested environments.

  • Conduct mission protection assessments to identify vulnerabilities across space, cyber, and ground architectures.
  • Collaborate with mission planners, operators, and mission partners to integrate protection strategies throughout the system lifecycle.
  • Support the development of mitigation plans and help implement countermeasures aligned with mission assurance priorities.
  • Coordinate with DoD and IC stakeholders to ensure protection efforts are synchronized with national-level guidance and classification policies.
  • Develop and maintain program-specific threat models, Concept of Operations (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.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a crew operations certification.
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively in classified operations centers, supporting 24/7 mission requirements when needed.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Poly clearance required.
  • Experience with threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and risk management.
    Experience working with or supporting a Weapons and Tactics (W&T) team, with familiarity in integrating protection strategies.


Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Graduate of Air Force Weapon School or Advance Instructor Course (AIC).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior stakeholders.
  • DoD/NRO Systems Liaison / Field Representative.
  • Strong Orbital Mechanics Background.
  • System Tool Kit (STK) Level 2/3 Certification; Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK).

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia - Greater Washington, D.C. Area $92,500 - $171,500.00. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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