Quick Answer

Yes, L3Harris Technologies hires individuals with criminal records, but most positions require federal security clearances (Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI) due to classified defense work. A criminal record is not automatic disqualification for security clearance, but significantly complicates the approval process. The greatest barriers exist for recent felonies within 10 years, financial problems (debt, bankruptcy, tax liens), drug offenses, and any dishonesty on the Standard Form 86 (SF-86) questionnaire. Best entry points are non-clearance Manufacturing Technician ($63,000-$80,000), Engineering Technician ($68,000-$80,000), or Administrative roles ($50,000-$65,000) that undergo standard employment background checks rather than federal security investigations. For clearance positions, demonstrate old isolated offenses, successful rehabilitation, and financial stability to improve approval chances.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. 🚨 Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits and Compensation

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

No Recent Serious Felonies: Felonies within the past 10 years face heightened scrutiny under Adjudicative Guidelines, especially violent crimes, drug trafficking, financial crimes, or patterns of criminal behavior.

Financial Stability: Must not have significant financial problems such as heavy debt, multiple bankruptcies, unpaid taxes, or liens. Financial issues are the leading cause of security clearance denials due to coercion and blackmail concerns.

No Recent Drug Use: Any illegal drug use within the past 7 years must be disclosed on SF-86 and creates significant clearance barriers.

Complete Honesty: Must disclose ALL arrests, charges, citations, and fingerprints on SF-86 regardless of expungement, dismissal, or sealing. Falsification is a federal crime and permanent disqualification.

U.S. Citizenship: Federal security clearances require U.S. citizenship. Non-clearance positions may accept lawful permanent residents.

🚨 Critical Regulatory Information

IMPORTANT: L3Harris Technologies is a major defense contractor with approximately 50,000 employees across 100+ locations worldwide. The company was formed from the 2019 merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation and generates over $21 billion in annual revenue. The vast majority of positions require federal security clearances due to classified work with the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, and international defense customers.

Federal Security Clearance Process

Standard Form 86 (SF-86): All clearance applicants must complete the SF-86 questionnaire disclosing all criminal history for the past 7 years including every charge, arrest, citation, or time fingerprinted, regardless of whether charges were dismissed, expunged, or sealed.

DCSA Investigation: The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) conducts comprehensive FBI fingerprint-based checks, credit and financial reviews, and in-person interviews with references, neighbors, and employers.

Timeline: Security clearance processing takes 6-18 months depending on clearance level (Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI) and complexity of background.

Adjudicative Guidelines for Security Clearances

Disqualifying Conditions - Criminal Conduct: Recent criminal conduct (within 10 years), pattern of criminal activity, or offenses indicating poor judgment, untrustworthiness, or unreliability.

Disqualifying Conditions - Financial Considerations: Heavy debt, bankruptcy, tax problems, or financial irresponsibility that creates vulnerability to coercion, exploitation, or duress. This is the leading cause of clearance denials.

Mitigating Factors: Clearance approval possible if criminal behavior was not recent, was isolated incident without pattern of conduct, evidence of successful rehabilitation exists, and pressure or coercion contributed to the conduct.

Defense Industry Specific Concerns

ITAR/EAR Compliance: Work involves controlled technical data requiring U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status under International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Zero Tolerance for Dishonesty: Any omission or falsification on SF-86 constitutes a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and results in permanent clearance disqualification. Federal investigators have access to FBI databases and will discover undisclosed information.

Drug-Free Workplace: Mandatory pre-employment substance abuse testing for all positions. Recent drug use (within 7 years) must be disclosed on SF-86 for clearance positions.

FCRA Compliance for Non-Clearance Positions

Written Consent: Employer must obtain written authorization before conducting background checks.

Adverse Action Process: If employment is denied based on background check findings, employer must provide copy of consumer report and notice of rights before making final decision.

Company Overview

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is a global aerospace, defense, and technology company headquartered in Melbourne, Florida. The company was formed on June 29, 2019 through the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation, creating the sixth-largest defense contractor in the United States. L3Harris provides mission-critical technology solutions connecting space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains for defense and intelligence customers.

The company traces its heritage to 1895 when Alfred S. Harris founded the Harris Automatic Press Company in Niles, Ohio, and to the founding of L3 Communications in 1997. Today, L3Harris operates major facilities across all 50 U.S. states and in more than 25 countries, serving the U.S. Department of Defense, intelligence community, civil government agencies, and international defense customers.

Company Fast Facts

• Employees: Approximately 50,000 employees worldwide

• Revenue: Over $21 billion annual revenue

• Headquarters: Melbourne, Florida

• Major Locations: Melbourne FL (Corporate HQ), Rochester NY (Communication Systems HQ), Palm Bay FL, Baltimore MD, Dulles VA (Space Systems)

• Business Segments: Integrated Mission Systems, Space and Airborne Systems, Communication Systems, Aviation Systems

• Primary Customers: U.S. Department of Defense (70%+ of revenue), U.S. intelligence agencies, international defense ministries

• Stock: Publicly traded on NYSE under ticker symbol LHX

• Industry Position: 6th largest U.S. defense contractor; top 20 global defense companies

  L3Harris has not made public commitments specifically regarding second-chance hiring. However, the company must comply with EEOC guidelines requiring individualized assessment of criminal records and cannot maintain blanket exclusionary policies for all individuals with criminal convictions.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Official Policy

L3Harris Technologies does not publish a specific written policy regarding hiring individuals with criminal records. As a federal contractor, the company must comply with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines that prohibit blanket exclusionary policies and require individualized assessment of criminal history in relation to job duties. However, the practical reality is that 70% or more of L3Harris positions require federal security clearances, which have their own adjudication standards independent of company hiring policies.

Key Regulatory Constraints

Federal Adjudicative Guidelines: Security clearances are governed by national security adjudicative guidelines administered by DCSA, not company HR policies. Criminal history is evaluated under Guideline J (Criminal Conduct) and financial issues under Guideline F (Financial Considerations).

SF-86 Mandatory Disclosure: Federal law requires complete disclosure of all criminal history for past 7 years on security clearance applications regardless of state expungement or sealing laws.

EEOC Title VII: For non-clearance positions, company must conduct individualized assessment considering nature of offense, time elapsed, and job relevance before rejection.

FCRA Requirements: Third-party background checks must follow Fair Credit Reporting Act procedures including written consent and adverse action notice.

Factors in Hiring Decisions

The security clearance adjudication and company hiring decisions consider:

Recency of Conduct: Criminal offenses within the past 10 years face greatest scrutiny. Offenses more than 10 years old are more easily mitigated with evidence of rehabilitation.

Pattern vs. Isolated Incident: A single isolated offense is viewed more favorably than a pattern of repeated criminal behavior indicating ongoing risk.

Nature and Seriousness: Violent crimes, drug trafficking, espionage, financial crimes, and sex offenses create highest barriers. Non-violent property crimes and drug possession are more readily mitigated.

Rehabilitation Evidence: Successful completion of probation/parole, stable employment history since conviction, education and training, treatment program completion, and character references.

Financial Stability: Current financial responsibility is critical. Heavy debts, bankruptcies, tax liens, or ongoing financial problems indicate vulnerability to coercion and are the leading cause of clearance denials.

Honesty and Candor: Complete disclosure of all required information on SF-86. Any omission or falsification is viewed more seriously than the underlying offense and results in permanent disqualification.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data based on 2024-2025 salary reports from Indeed, Glassdoor, PayScale, and Levels.fyi. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, education, and security clearance level.

Career Path Examples

• Non-Clearance Manufacturing Track: Manufacturing Technician ($63K-$80K) → Senior Manufacturing Technician ($70K-$85K) → Manufacturing Supervisor ($75K-$95K) → Manufacturing Manager ($90K-$120K)

  
  

• Cleared Engineering Track: Associate Engineer - Secret ($75K-$101K) → Engineer II - Secret ($90K-$125K) → Senior Engineer - Top Secret ($120K-$170K) → Principal Engineer - TS/SCI ($150K-$190K)

  
  

• Technical Support Track: Engineering Technician ($68K-$80K) → Engineering Technician III ($75K-$95K) → Associate Engineer - Secret ($75K-$101K) → Systems Engineer ($103K-$151K)

  Many employees report starting in non-clearance manufacturing or technician roles, demonstrating reliability for 1-2 years, then transitioning to cleared engineering positions after successfully obtaining Secret clearance. This path allows individuals to prove trustworthiness while building technical skills before attempting the clearance process.

Background Check Process

What They Check

For Clearance Positions:

SF-86 Criminal History: Complete disclosure of all charges, arrests, citations, or times fingerprinted for past 7 years regardless of dismissal, expungement, or sealing.

FBI Fingerprint Database: National criminal history check revealing all arrests and convictions across all jurisdictions.

Credit and Financial Records: Comprehensive review of credit reports, debts, bankruptcies, liens, foreclosures, and tax problems.

Employment History: Verification of all employers for past 10 years listed on SF-86.

Education Verification: Degrees and certifications verified with issuing institutions.

Reference Interviews: In-person or phone interviews with listed references, neighbors, former supervisors, and associates about character and trustworthiness.

Foreign Contacts: Review of foreign travel, family members, and associates in foreign countries.

For Non-Clearance Positions:

Criminal Background Check: County, state, and national searches through third-party consumer reporting agency.

Employment Verification: Confirmation of previous positions and dates.

Education Verification: Degree and certification confirmation.

SSN Verification: Identity confirmation.

Drug Screening: Pre-employment substance abuse testing for all positions.

Lookback Period Summary

Timeline

Non-Clearance Positions: Standard employment background checks take 3-10 business days. Total hiring process from application to start date is typically 3-6 weeks.

Secret Clearance: Clearance processing takes 6-12 months on average. Total timeline from application to start date is 7-14 months.

Top Secret/TS/SCI: Clearance processing takes 12-18 months. Total timeline from application to start date is 13-20 months. Polygraph requirements add additional time.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification:

• Recent Felonies: Any felony conviction within the past 10 years, especially violent crimes, drug trafficking, or weapons offenses

  
  

• Financial Problems: Heavy debt, multiple bankruptcies, unpaid taxes, liens, foreclosures, or pattern of financial irresponsibility (leading cause of clearance denials)

  
  

• Recent Drug Use: Illegal drug use or drug trafficking within past 7 years

  
  

• Sex Offenses: Typically permanent bar to security clearance

  
  

• Espionage or Sabotage: Absolute bar to clearance

• Dishonesty on SF-86: Any omission or falsification constitutes federal crime and permanent disqualification

  
  

• Pattern of Criminal Conduct: Multiple offenses indicating ongoing risk

  
  

• Foreign Influence: Close foreign contacts, foreign financial interests, or dual citizenship concerns

• Lower Risk Convictions (Subject to Individualized Assessment):

  
  

• Old Non-Violent Offenses: Single offenses more than 10 years old with no subsequent criminal activity

  
  

• Minor Drug Possession: Single marijuana possession offense more than 7-10 years old with documented rehabilitation

  
  

• DUI/Traffic Offenses: Isolated incidents more than 7 years old (multiple DUIs raise pattern concerns)

  
  

• Misdemeanors: Non-violent misdemeanors more than 7 years old, especially if unrelated to job duties

Your Rights

FCRA Protections (Non-Clearance Positions):

• Written Consent: Employer must obtain your written authorization before conducting background check through consumer reporting agency.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: If employer intends to deny employment based on background report, must provide copy of report and summary of rights before final decision.

  
  

• Opportunity to Dispute: You have right to challenge inaccurate information on background report before final hiring decision.

  
  

• Adverse Action Notice: If denied based on background check, employer must provide written notice identifying the consumer reporting agency and your rights.

  
  

EEOC Guidelines (Non-Clearance Positions):

• Individualized Assessment: Employer must conduct case-by-case evaluation considering nature of offense, time elapsed, and job relevance.

  
  

• No Blanket Exclusions: Policies that automatically exclude all individuals with criminal records may constitute illegal discrimination under Title VII.

  
  

• Targeted Screening: Criminal history screening should be limited to offenses that bear relationship to job duties.

  
  

Security Clearance Rights:

• Appeal Process: If clearance is denied, you receive Statement of Reasons and can appeal to Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA).

  
  

• Legal Representation: You may retain security clearance attorney to assist with clearance process and appeals.

  
  

• Mitigation Opportunity: Can present evidence of rehabilitation, character references, and changed circumstances during appeal.

Application Strategy

Step-by-Step Process

1. Assess Clearance Eligibility Realistically: Before applying, review the federal Adjudicative Guidelines available at dcsa.mil to understand disqualifying conditions and mitigating factors. If you have recent felonies within 10 years, pattern of criminal conduct, significant financial problems (debt, bankruptcy, liens), or recent drug use, realistically focus on non-clearance positions. Do not waste time applying for cleared positions that will result in denial after 6-18 months of investigation.

   
   

2. Search for Appropriate Positions: Visit careers.l3harris.com and search for positions. Filter by "Clearance Type: None" to identify Manufacturing Technician, Engineering Technician, Quality Control, and Administrative roles that do not require security clearances. These positions undergo standard employment background checks (3-10 days) rather than federal security investigations (6-18 months).

3. Prepare Application Materials: Submit complete and accurate application including resume, employment history, and education. In cover letter or interview, you may choose to briefly address your criminal record proactively, focusing on rehabilitation and time elapsed. However, this is optional and strategic some applicants prefer to wait until background check stage.

   
   

4. Interview Preparation: For non-clearance positions, focus on demonstrating reliability, technical skills, attention to detail, and cultural fit. Prepare to discuss stable employment since your conviction and any certifications or training completed. For clearance positions, emphasize trustworthiness, honesty, and ability to handle sensitive information.

   
   

5. Complete SF-86 with 100% Honesty (Clearance Positions Only): If you receive conditional offer for clearance position, you must complete Standard Form 86. Disclose every arrest, charge, citation, or time you were fingerprinted for the past 7 years, regardless of dismissal, expungement, sealing, or diversion. Federal investigators access FBI databases and will discover undisclosed information. Any omission or falsification is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and guarantees permanent disqualification.

   
   

6. Authorize Background Check: After conditional offer, you will sign authorization for background check. For non-clearance positions, this is standard employment check. For clearance positions, this initiates comprehensive DCSA investigation.

   
   

7. Prepare for Drug Test: All positions require pre-employment drug screening. Ensure you can pass before reaching conditional offer stage.

   
   

8. Gather Rehabilitation Evidence: Proactively collect documentation of rehabilitation including court completion documents showing successful probation/parole, stable employment records, education certificates, treatment program completion, and character reference letters from employers, counselors, or community leaders.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Start with Non-Clearance Roles: Manufacturing Technician, Engineering Technician, or Quality Control positions offer realistic entry points ($63K-$80K) without security clearance barriers. Build track record of reliability for 1-2 years, then pursue clearance positions.

   
   

2. Run Your Own Background Check: Order complete criminal background report and credit report before applying. Identify errors and dispute inaccuracies. Know exactly what employers will discover.

   
   

3. Resolve All Financial Problems: Pay down debts, resolve tax liens, avoid new delinquencies, and demonstrate financial responsibility. Financial issues cause majority of clearance denials. Wait to apply for clearance until finances are stable.

   
   

4. Wait for Time to Pass: If your offense occurred 8-9 years ago, consider waiting 1-2 more years to move outside the critical 10-year window specifically highlighted in Adjudicative Guidelines. Time elapsed is powerful mitigating factor.

   
   

5. Never Falsify SF-86: Disclose everything required on security clearance applications. Federal investigators have access to FBI databases and will find undisclosed information. Omissions are viewed far more seriously than underlying offenses and constitute federal crimes.

   
   

6. Document Rehabilitation Thoroughly: Gather and organize proof of rehabilitation including court documents showing successful completion, stable employment letters, education certificates, treatment completion, and professional character references.

   
   

7. Consult Security Clearance Attorneys: If applying for clearance positions with criminal history, consult attorneys specializing in security clearance matters. They can review your circumstances, advise on mitigation strategies, and represent you in appeals. Resources available at ClearanceJobs.com.

   
   

8. Consider Career Progression Path: Start in non-clearance role, demonstrate reliability, build technical skills, improve financial situation, and let time pass before attempting clearance. Many successful employees followed this path.

Benefits and Compensation

Base Salary: $50K-$170K+ depending on position, experience, education, and clearance level

Clearance Premium: Positions requiring Top Secret or TS/SCI clearances command 15-30% salary premium over non-cleared equivalents

Annual Raises: Most employees report annual raises; frequency confirmed in employee surveys

Overtime Pay: 66% of employees report receiving overtime compensation for hours over 40 per week

Benefits Package

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plans available for eligible employees

Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company match up to 6% after first year of employment; some locations offer pension plans

Paid Time Off: Approximately 4 weeks PTO reported by employees; vacation and sick days

Tuition Assistance: Educational reimbursement programs available for degree and certification programs

Employee Stock Purchase: Opportunity to purchase company stock (NYSE: LHX)

Flexible Schedules: Some positions offer flexible work arrangements; hybrid and remote options for certain roles

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Good benefits package including 4 weeks PTO and 6% 401(k) match; stable defense contractor with consistent work; annual pay raises; opportunities for career advancement; cutting-edge technology projects; flexible work schedules for some positions; professional development opportunities; tuition reimbursement.

Cons: Employee compensation satisfaction rated in bottom 20% compared to similar companies; benefits rated in bottom 20% by employees; slow promotion opportunities reported; bureaucratic processes and approvals; security clearance delays of 6-18 months for cleared positions; mandatory return-to-office policies implemented at some locations; eNPS score of -41 indicates low employee satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does L3Harris Technologies hire people with felonies?

   Yes, L3Harris Technologies hires individuals with felony convictions, but employment prospects depend heavily on security clearance requirements. Approximately 70% or more of L3Harris positions require Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearances due to classified defense work. Criminal records are evaluated under federal Adjudicative Guidelines which assess nature, seriousness, recency, and pattern of criminal conduct. A felony is not automatic disqualification for security clearance, but recent offenses within 10 years face significant scrutiny. Best opportunities exist in non-clearance Manufacturing Technician, Engineering Technician, and Quality Control roles ($63K-$80K) that undergo standard employment background checks rather than federal security investigations.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at L3Harris Technologies?

   The process varies dramatically based on clearance requirements. For positions requiring Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearances, applicants complete SF-86 questionnaire disclosing all criminal conduct for past 7 years including every charge, arrest, or citation regardless of dismissal or expungement. DCSA investigators conduct FBI fingerprint checks, credit and financial reviews, and in-person interviews with references, neighbors, and employers. Clearance processing takes 6-18 months. For non-clearance positions, standard employment background checks through third-party agencies cover 7-year criminal history, employment verification, and drug screening under FCRA requirements, taking 3-10 business days.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at L3Harris Technologies—what is the lookback period?

   The SF-86 questionnaire for security clearances requires disclosure of all criminal conduct for the past 7 years including every charge, arrest, citation, or fingerprinting regardless of outcome. Federal Adjudicative Guidelines specifically highlight felony convictions within past 10 years as disqualifying conditions requiring strong mitigation. Non-clearance positions follow standard FCRA guidelines with 7-year lookback for criminal convictions, though some states further restrict reporting of older convictions.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at L3Harris Technologies?

   For clearance positions, most problematic are recent felonies within 10 years, violent crimes, drug trafficking, financial crimes (fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion), sex offenses, and espionage-related offenses. Financial problems represent largest cause of clearance denials heavy debt, bankruptcies, unpaid taxes, or foreclosures indicate coercion vulnerability. Any dishonesty on SF-86 constitutes federal crime and permanent disqualification. Pattern of criminal behavior is viewed more seriously than isolated incidents.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at L3Harris Technologies for applicants with a record?

   Manufacturing Technician positions ($63K-$80K), Engineering Technician roles ($68K-$80K), Quality Control Inspector positions ($56K-$70K), and Administrative Assistant roles ($50K-$65K) that do not require security clearances offer most realistic entry points. Search the L3Harris careers website at careers.l3harris.com and filter by "Clearance Type: None" to identify positions that undergo standard employment background checks rather than federal security investigations.

   
   

6. Does L3Harris Technologies drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, L3Harris maintains drug-free workplace policy and requires mandatory pre-employment substance abuse testing for all successful candidates. The specific type of drug test (urine, hair, saliva) is not publicly disclosed, but urine screening is most common in defense industry. For security clearance positions, any illegal drug use within past 7 years must be disclosed on SF-86 questionnaire, and recent drug use creates significant clearance barriers.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will L3Harris Technologies ask about criminal history?

   For positions requiring security clearances, after receiving conditional job offer, you complete Standard Form 86 which includes extensive questions about criminal history for past 7 years. For non-clearance positions, background checks are conducted after conditional offer in compliance with FCRA requirements which mandate written authorization before conducting checks. L3Harris does not have specific ban-the-box protections, so application may include criminal history questions in some locations.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at L3Harris Technologies if they have a felony?

   Advancement is possible if you obtain and maintain security clearance. Most senior engineering and management positions require Top Secret or TS/SCI clearances due to program access requirements. Old offenses occurring more than 10 years ago with strong evidence of rehabilitation have better chances of clearance approval. Financial stability is critical for maintaining clearances throughout your career, as ongoing financial problems can result in clearance revocation even after initial approval. Many employees report starting in non-clearance roles and advancing after obtaining clearances.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at L3Harris Technologies?

   For non-clearance positions, hiring process typically takes 3-6 weeks including application review, interviews, and standard background checks (3-10 business days). For positions requiring security clearances, total timeline is significantly longer: initial application and interview process takes 2-4 weeks, followed by clearance processing of 6-12 months for Secret clearance or 12-18 months for Top Secret/TS/SCI clearance. Polygraph requirements add additional time.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at L3Harris Technologies?

    Realistically assess clearance eligibility using Adjudicative Guidelines at dcsa.mil. If recent felonies (within 10 years), financial problems, or drug use exist, target non-clearance positions marked "Clearance Type: None" like Manufacturing or Engineering Technician roles. For clearance positions, be 100% truthful on SF-86 disclose every arrest/charge regardless of dismissal or expungement, as omissions are federal crimes. Resolve all financial problems before applying since these cause most denials. Gather rehabilitation evidence: court completion documents, stable employment history, treatment certificates, character references. If offense was 8-9 years ago, consider waiting 1-2 years to move outside 10-year critical window. Consult security clearance attorneys for personalized guidance. Many successful employees started in non-clearance roles, demonstrated reliability for 1-2 years, then pursued clearances.

Alternative Employers

If L3Harris Technologies isn't the right fit, consider these alternative employers in the defense and aerospace sector:

Conclusion

L3Harris Technologies offers genuine opportunities for job seekers with criminal records who target appropriate non-clearance positions and demonstrate reliability. As the sixth-largest U.S. defense contractor with 50,000 employees, the company provides stable employment in cutting-edge technology sectors including space systems, electronic warfare, tactical communications, and intelligence systems.

Key Success Factors: Focus initially on non-clearance Manufacturing Technician, Engineering Technician, or Quality Control positions ($63K-$80K) that undergo standard employment background checks rather than federal security investigations. Be completely honest on all applications and security forms—dishonesty results in permanent disqualification. Demonstrate rehabilitation through stable employment history, resolved financial issues, and documented treatment or education. Consider the career progression path: start in non-clearance role, prove reliability for 1-2 years, improve financial situation, and let time pass before attempting security clearance.

Biggest Barriers: Recent felonies within 10 years, especially violent crimes, drug trafficking, or financial crimes. Financial problems (debt, bankruptcy, tax liens) are the leading cause of security clearance denials due to coercion vulnerability. Any dishonesty or omission on Standard Form 86 constitutes a federal crime and permanent bar from clearances. Pattern of criminal conduct is viewed more seriously than isolated incidents.

Clearance Reality: Understand that 70%+ of L3Harris positions require federal security clearances with 6-18 month investigations. If you have disqualifying factors, realistically pursue non-clearance paths rather than wasting years in clearance processing that will ultimately result in denial. Many successful employees followed the proven path of starting in non-clearance manufacturing or technician roles, demonstrating trustworthiness and building skills, then transitioning to cleared engineering positions after 2-3 years of stable employment and financial improvement.

With competitive salaries, good benefits including 4 weeks PTO and 6% 401(k) match, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge defense technology, L3Harris offers not just employment but genuine career opportunities for those who demonstrate reliability, honesty, and commitment to national security.

Apply Now at careers.l3harris.com

Disclaimer

Hiring policies and security clearance requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with L3Harris Technologies. Individual results vary based on specific circumstances, criminal history details, time elapsed since offense, rehabilitation evidence, financial stability, and security clearance adjudication decisions made by federal authorities independent of L3Harris. Security clearance decisions are made by Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) adjudicators under federal Adjudicative Guidelines, not by L3Harris HR. Salary information based on 2024-2025 data from Indeed, Glassdoor, PayScale, and Levels.fyi and may vary by location, experience, education, and clearance level. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult security clearance attorneys for personalized guidance on clearance eligibility.