L3Harris Careers for Veterans: Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to L3Harris careers for veterans. Learn about communications, electronic warfare, ISR systems positions, veteran hiring programs, clearance requirements, and how to land jobs at this major defense contractor.
L3Harris Technologies was formed in 2019 from the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation, creating one of the world's largest defense and aerospace companies. Specializing in communications, electronic warfare, and intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance (ISR) systems, L3Harris is where military communications expertise translates directly to civilian careers.
With approximately 50,000 employees and $18+ billion in annual revenue, L3Harris offers veterans exceptional opportunities—especially those with signal, communications, or electronic systems backgrounds.
Why L3Harris for Veterans?
Communications Leadership
L3Harris is communications-centric:
- Military radios (SINCGARS successor)
- Tactical communications
- Satellite communications
- Network systems
Direct Product Connection
You've likely used L3Harris products:
- Harris radios
- AN/PRC-152, AN/PRC-117
- Tactical data links
- Night vision systems
- ISR platforms
Technical Excellence
For technically-minded veterans:
- Cutting-edge RF technology
- Electronic warfare systems
- Space and airborne systems
- Signal processing
Veteran Value
Military experience is gold:
- You know the products
- You understand the user
- Clearance is valuable
- Technical training applies
What L3Harris Does
Communication Systems
Military communications:
- Tactical radios
- Waveform development
- Network systems
- Satellite communications
- Public safety communications
Space and Airborne Systems
Space and ISR:
- ISR aircraft and sensors
- Space payloads
- Satellite systems
- Electro-optical systems
Integrated Mission Systems
Mission solutions:
- C4ISR integration
- Training and simulation
- Weapons systems
- Mission systems integration
Aviation Systems
Aircraft systems:
- Modification and sustainment
- Mission systems
- Avionics
- Special mission aircraft
Career Opportunities at L3Harris
Communications Engineering
Radio and communications:
RF Engineer:
- Radio frequency design
- Antenna systems
- Signal processing
- Radio development
Requirements:
- EE degree
- RF/microwave experience
- Analysis tools proficiency
- Clearance (often required)
Salary: $85,000 - $160,000+
Military fit: 25 series, communications officers, RF specialists
Communications Systems Engineer:
- System architecture
- Radio integration
- Network design
- Waveform development
Requirements:
- Engineering degree
- Communications systems knowledge
- Systems engineering methodology
- Clearance (usually)
Salary: $90,000 - $170,000+
Military fit: Signal officers, 25A, communications systems backgrounds
Software Engineer (Embedded):
- Embedded software development
- Real-time systems
- DSP programming
- Radio software
Requirements:
- CS/EE degree
- Embedded systems experience
- C/C++ proficiency
- Clearance (often)
Salary: $85,000 - $160,000+
Military fit: Technical signal, software backgrounds
Electronic Warfare Positions
EW specialization:
Electronic Warfare Engineer:
- EW system design
- Threat analysis
- Countermeasures
- Test and evaluation
Requirements:
- Engineering degree
- EW knowledge
- Clearance (usually TS/SCI)
- Technical depth
Salary: $90,000 - $170,000+
Military fit: 29E, EW officers, electronic warfare specialists
SIGINT Engineer:
- Signals intelligence systems
- Collection systems
- Processing development
- Analysis tools
Requirements:
- Engineering background
- SIGINT knowledge
- Clearance (TS/SCI required)
- Signal processing skills
Salary: $95,000 - $175,000+
Military fit: 35P, SIGINT backgrounds, CTI
Space and ISR Positions
Space and sensors:
Space Systems Engineer:
- Satellite systems
- Payload engineering
- Ground systems
- Mission operations
Requirements:
- Engineering degree
- Space systems knowledge
- Systems methodology
- Clearance (often)
Salary: $90,000 - $165,000+
Military fit: Space operators, SATCOM backgrounds
Electro-Optical Engineer:
- Sensor systems
- Imaging systems
- Night vision
- Targeting systems
Requirements:
- EE or physics degree
- Optics/sensors knowledge
- Analysis capability
- Clearance (usually)
Salary: $85,000 - $160,000+
Military fit: Sensor operators, ISR backgrounds
ISR Systems Engineer:
- ISR platform integration
- Sensor fusion
- Mission systems
- Data processing
Requirements:
- Engineering degree
- ISR domain knowledge
- Systems integration experience
- Clearance (required)
Salary: $90,000 - $170,000+
Military fit: ISR operators, 35 series, reconnaissance
Technical Positions
Hands-on work:
Electronics Technician:
- Assembly and test
- Troubleshooting
- Lab operations
- Production support
Requirements:
- Technical training
- Electronics knowledge
- Hands-on skills
- Clearance (often)
Salary: $50,000 - $90,000+
Military fit: 25 series maintainers, electronics techs
Test Technician:
- Test execution
- Data collection
- Equipment operation
- Quality verification
Requirements:
- Technical background
- Test experience
- Documentation skills
- Attention to detail
Salary: $50,000 - $85,000+
Military fit: Test, maintenance backgrounds
Program Management
Leadership roles:
Program Manager:
- Program execution
- Customer relationships
- Team leadership
- Business development
Requirements:
- Technical background
- Management experience
- Communication skills
- PMP certification helpful
Salary: $110,000 - $195,000+
Military fit: Senior officers, program experience
Product Manager:
- Product lifecycle
- Roadmap development
- Market analysis
- Customer engagement
Requirements:
- Technical understanding
- Business acumen
- Communication skills
- Strategic thinking
Salary: $100,000 - $170,000+
Military fit: Technical officers, business backgrounds
L3Harris Veteran Programs
Veteran Hiring Commitment
Strong veteran culture:
- Active recruiting programs
- Military skills translation
- Dedicated military recruiters
- Hiring events and career fairs
SkillBridge Partnership
DoD transition program:
- Internship opportunities
- Multiple locations
- Real project work
- Often leads to offers
Veteran Employee Network
Internal community:
- Networking opportunities
- Mentorship programs
- Professional development
- Community service
Military Spouse Employment
Family support:
- Spouse hiring initiatives
- Remote work where possible
- Career development
- Relocation support
Reserve/Guard Support
Ongoing service accommodation:
- Military leave
- Differential pay options
- Job protection
- Scheduling flexibility
L3Harris Hiring Process
Step 1: Apply
Where to apply:
- l3harris.com/careers
- ClearanceJobs
- Indeed
Step 2: Screening
Review for:
- Basic qualifications
- Clearance eligibility
- Experience match
- Education verification
Step 3: Interviews
Multiple rounds:
Phone Screen:
- Initial discussion
- Qualification verification
- Interest confirmation
Technical Interview:
- Skills assessment
- Domain knowledge
- Problem-solving
Panel/Manager Interview:
- Team fit
- Behavioral assessment
- Career discussion
Step 4: Offer
If selected:
- Compensation negotiation
- Benefits overview
- Start date coordination
- Security processing
Timeline
Typical process:
- Application to response: 2-4 weeks
- Interview process: 2-5 weeks
- Offer to start: 2-4 weeks
- Total: 6-13 weeks
L3Harris Salary
Compensation Ranges
| Role | Entry | Mid-Level | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF Engineering | $80K-$100K | $100K-$145K | $145K-$185K |
| Systems Engineering | $85K-$105K | $105K-$150K | $150K-$190K |
| EW Engineering | $90K-$110K | $110K-$155K | $155K-$195K |
| Technical | $50K-$70K | $70K-$90K | $90K-$115K |
| Program Mgmt | $100K-$125K | $125K-$170K | $170K-$220K |
Location Adjustments
Major locations:
- DC area: Reference rates
- Melbourne, FL: Slightly lower
- Rochester, NY: Slightly lower
- Salt Lake City: Slightly lower
Clearance Premium
Security clearance value:
- Secret: Base rates
- Top Secret: +5-10%
- TS/SCI: +10-20%
- Special programs: Additional
Benefits
Comprehensive package:
- Medical/dental/vision
- 401(k) with company match
- Pension plan (where applicable)
- PTO
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development
- Life insurance
- Stock purchase plan
L3Harris Locations
Headquarters
Melbourne, FL:
- Corporate headquarters
- Major engineering center
Major Sites
Rochester, NY:
- Communications Systems headquarters
- Major development site
Salt Lake City, UT:
- Space and Airborne Systems
- ISR operations
Greenville, TX:
- Aircraft modification
- ISR platforms
Mason, OH:
- Electronic warfare
- Mission systems
Camden, NJ:
- Communications systems
- Manufacturing
Palm Bay, FL:
- Space systems
- Electronics
Nationwide
Presence across country:
- California
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Virginia
- And many more
Military Experience Translation
Signal/Communications
Direct translation:
- 25B → Systems administrator
- 25C → Radio systems
- 25S → Satellite communications
- 25U → Communications systems
- Signal officers → Systems engineering, management
Electronic Warfare
EW expertise:
- 29E → EW engineering
- EW officers → Systems engineering
- Aviation EW → Airborne systems
Intelligence/SIGINT
Collection systems:
- 35P → SIGINT engineering
- 35N → SIGINT systems
- Intelligence officers → Program management
Aviation
Aircraft systems:
- 15 series → Aviation systems
- Avionics → Electronics engineering
- Crew chiefs → Manufacturing, test
Application Tips
Resume Optimization
Key elements:
- Translate military communications terminology
- Highlight radio/communications experience
- Note specific systems worked with
- Quantify achievements
- Emphasize clearance
Keywords to Include
Match postings:
- Radio frequency
- Tactical communications
- Waveform development
- Electronic warfare
- ISR systems
Interview Preparation
Research:
- Know L3Harris products
- Understand business segments
- Research specific role
- Current programs and news
Prepare:
- Technical demonstrations
- STAR method examples
- Product knowledge
- Questions for team
Career Growth at L3Harris
Technical Track
Engineering progression:
- Engineer I/II
- Senior Engineer
- Staff Engineer
- Principal Engineer
- Fellow
Management Track
Leadership progression:
- Team Lead
- Manager
- Director
- Vice President
- Executive
Product/Business Track
Alternative path:
- Technical contributor
- Product manager
- Business development
- Segment leadership
The Bottom Line
L3Harris offers veterans:
- Communications leadership in products you've used
- Direct experience translation from signal/comms backgrounds
- Technical excellence in RF, EW, and ISR
- Strong veteran culture with active recruiting
- Career growth in technical and leadership tracks
If you've used Harris radios or L3 sensors, you understand the mission. Now you can help build the next generation.
Apply at l3harris.com/careers
Explore other defense contractors: BAE Systems, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman.