L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is a global aerospace and defense technology company and the largest private employer on Florida's Space Coast. Headquartered in Melbourne, FL, the company delivers advanced communication systems, electronic warfare, space payloads, and ISR platforms to military and intelligence customers worldwide.
On the Space Coast
L3Harris Technologies is headquartered in Melbourne, FL, making it the anchor defense company of the Space Coast. With thousands of employees across multiple Brevard County campuses, L3Harris leads in communications, electronic warfare, and space payloads.
About L3Harris Technologies on the Space Coast
L3Harris Technologies is one of the largest defense contractors in the world and the single biggest private employer on Florida's Space Coast. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, L3Harris employs over 50,000 people globally — with roughly 10,000 of those based in Brevard County alone. The company was formed in 2019 through the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation, combining decades of expertise in communication systems, electronic warfare, space payloads, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) platforms. L3Harris's Melbourne campus serves as the company's global headquarters and houses multiple business segments including Space & Airborne Systems and Communication Systems. The company designs and manufactures sensors, radios, and mission-critical communication equipment used by every branch of the U.S. military. On the Space Coast, L3Harris is deeply embedded in both the defense and space ecosystems, contributing to programs ranging from GPS III satellites to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Culture & Work Environment
L3Harris promotes a mission-driven culture centered on innovation, integrity, and employee development. The Melbourne headquarters has a collaborative engineering environment with significant investment in R&D labs, classified work areas, and modern office spaces. Many teams work on programs with direct national security impact, which employees frequently cite as a major motivator. The company offers flexible work arrangements for eligible roles, including hybrid schedules. L3Harris has active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and invests heavily in early-career development through rotational engineering programs. The dress code is business casual in most areas, and the overall atmosphere is described as professional but approachable. Being headquartered locally means Space Coast employees have direct access to senior leadership.
Hiring Process & Timeline
L3Harris typically follows a structured hiring process that takes 3 to 6 weeks from application to offer. The process generally includes an initial recruiter phone screen, followed by one or two technical interviews with the hiring team. For engineering roles, expect behavioral questions alongside technical problem-solving discussions relevant to the specific domain (RF, software, systems engineering, etc.). Applications are submitted through the L3Harris careers portal. Because of the volume of applicants, tailoring your resume to match specific job requirements — particularly clearance level, technical skills, and years of experience — significantly improves your chances. Many positions require an active security clearance before starting, though some roles offer sponsorship for clearance processing.
Interview Tips
Prepare to discuss specific projects and technical contributions in detail. L3Harris interviewers value candidates who can articulate the 'why' behind their engineering decisions, not just the 'what.' Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Research the specific L3Harris business segment you're applying to — Space & Airborne Systems operates very differently from Communication Systems. Demonstrating knowledge of the company's key programs (GPS III, F-35 EW, WESCAM sensors) shows genuine interest. For cleared roles, be prepared to discuss your clearance timeline and any potential issues upfront.
Security Clearance Requirements
The majority of L3Harris positions on the Space Coast require a U.S. security clearance. Secret clearance is the most common requirement, with many senior engineering and program management roles requiring Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI. Some positions in the Space & Airborne Systems division require Special Access Program (SAP) access. L3Harris will sponsor clearance processing for qualified candidates on select positions, but roles requiring an 'active' clearance expect candidates to already hold one. U.S. citizenship is required for all cleared positions. The company has dedicated security personnel who assist with the clearance application and adjudication process.
Compensation & Salary
L3Harris salaries on the Space Coast are competitive within the Brevard County market, though they may trail compensation at companies in higher cost-of-living areas like the Bay Area or DC metro. Entry-level engineers can expect starting salaries in the $70,000 to $85,000 range, with mid-career engineers earning $95,000 to $130,000. Senior and principal engineers often exceed $140,000, particularly in specialized domains like RF engineering or space systems. The company offers annual merit increases, a 401(k) match up to 6%, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) that is highly popular among employees.
Peak hiring: April 2026 (193 roles)
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