Mission Systems Architect

About the role

The Missions Systems Architect is responsible for defining end-to-end technical solutions for complex defense problems by architecting systems that integrate both in-house technologies and external/vendor-provided capabilities. This role focuses on translating mission needs into scalable, modular, and extensible architecture that can be executed by engineering teams and partners.

Rather than owning detailed implementation, the Systems Architect ensures that the right system is conceived, leveraging the optimal mix of internal development and external components to meet performance, cost, and schedule objectives.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop high-level system solutions in response to mission needs, operational gaps, or customer requirements
• Architect systems that combine internal products, subsystems, and third-party/vendor technologies into cohesive solutions
• Define system boundaries, external interfaces, and integration concepts at a conceptual and architectural level
• Evaluate multiple architectural approaches and recommend optimal solutions based on performance, risk, and scalability
• Design architectures that operate across multiple platforms, sensors, and communication layers
• Define how distributed systems interact, including data flow, control flow, and interoperability
• Ensure solutions are modular, extensible, and adaptable to evolving mission needs
• Balance centralized vs decentralized architectures depending on operational constraints
• Assess internal capabilities and identify gaps requiring external solutions or partnerships
• Evaluate and down-select vendor technologies, COTS components, and external systems
• Define integration strategies for incorporating external hardware, software, and data sources
• Ensure compatibility across interfaces, protocols, and operational environments
• Lead architecture-level trade studies (performance, SWaP, cost, schedule, risk)
• Evaluate different solution approaches (custom development vs COTS vs hybrid)
• Define technical roadmaps and evolution paths for systems and capabilities
• Support decision-making with clear technical rationale and risk assessments
• Translate high-level mission needs into architectural constructs and system concepts
• Shape requirements to align with feasible and scalable system solutions
• Define key performance parameters (KPPs) and system-level drivers
• Ensure architectural decisions support downstream requirements and implementation
• Work with engineering leads (EE, ME, Software, Systems) to ensure designs align with architectural intent
• Provide guidance without owning detailed design execution
• Align program teams, leadership, and external partners around a common technical vision
• Support Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) with architectural direction
• Support customer engagements by defining technical solutions and architectures
• Contribute to white papers, proposals, and concept development efforts
• Communicate complex system concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Additional information

Note: The duties and responsibilities described on this document are not necessarily a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering)
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or complex system development
• Demonstrated experience architecting complex, multi-domain systems or system-of-systems solutions
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary systems (electrical, mechanical, software, communications, sensors)
• Experience integrating or leveraging external/vendor technologies alongside internal development
• Ability to operate at a conceptual level while maintaining technical credibility
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/hold a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering strongly preferred (Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering)
• Experience with UAVs, autonomous systems, or distributed sensing architectures
• Background in multi-sensor integration
• Experience in interoperability among systems
• Experience with communications architectures, networking, and degraded/denied environments
• Knowledge of defense acquisition processes and rapid prototyping environments
• Experience supporting proposals or customer-facing technical solution development

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Travel will be required from time to time.

Additional information

Note: The duties and responsibilities described on this document are not necessarily a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the teammate from time to time; and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.