Principal Systems Architect - Mission Systems

Job description

Job Title : Principal Systems Architect - Mission Systems

Work Type : Onsite Primary

Location : Gilbert, AZ Alternative

Salary : $180,000–$200,000

Overview

Our client, a federal contractor supporting U.S. defense and homeland security missions, is seeking a hands-on Principal Systems Architect – C5ISR to lead the architecture, integration, testing, and technical execution of advanced C4ISR/C5ISR, border/perimeter surveillance, and Counter-UAS systems.

The ideal candidate will translate customer mission needs into scalable system architectures and top-level designs integrating technologies such as sensors, communications, command-and-control, networking, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and edge computing. This role works closely with engineering teams, customers, Program Managers, Business Development, and external partners from concept through deployment and operational acceptance.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Architecture & Technical Leadership - Lead end-to-end system architecture and provide hands-on technical direction across multidisciplinary engineering teams. - Define system components, interfaces, integration requirements, technical standards, and architecture roadmaps. - Evaluate technical tradeoffs related to performance, cost, reliability, scalability, cybersecurity, and deployability. - Provide system-level design guidance as needed.

Systems Engineering & Product Development - Translate customer and operational requirements into system designs, technical specifications, and traceable engineering requirements. - Guide integrated hardware and software systems from concept through development, production, deployment, and sustainment. - Manage system interfaces, technical dependencies, configuration baselines, and architectural risks. - Apply sound systems-engineering principles across complex, multi-domain, and multi-vendor solutions.

Systems Integration, Verification & Test - Lead system-level integration, verification, validation, testing, demonstrations, field trials, and customer acceptance activities. - Develop integration and test plans, procedures, verification methods, and acceptance criteria. - Resolve interface, interoperability, performance, and system-level technical issues through hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis. - Support integration laboratories, test ranges, field deployments, and operational demonstrations as required.

Customer & Business Development Support - Serve as a senior technical authority during customer engagements, demonstrations, technical reviews, proposals, and business development activities. - Translate customer mission needs into executable technical solutions, system concepts, architectures, and technical approaches. - Collaborate with Program Managers, Business Development, engineering teams, customers, subcontractors, and technology partners. - Provide technical input to proposals, solution development, program planning, and customer presentations.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline. - Minimum of 10 years of experience architecting, developing, integrating, and testing complex defense, aerospace, C4ISR/C5ISR, surveillance, communications, OR other mission-critical systems. - Demonstrated experience translating operational and customer mission needs into top-level system architectures and engineering designs. - Demonstrated experience taking integrated hardware/software systems from concept through architecture, development, integration, testing, deployment, and operational acceptance. - Strong understanding of systems engineering, sensors, communications, networking, distributed computing, software architecture, OR system integration. - Proven experience integrating multi-vendor and multi-domain systems. - Strong understanding of requirements management, requirements traceability, interface definition, verification, validation, OR acceptance testing. - Ability to personally contribute technically while providing architecture, development, integration, and testing leadership. - Must be a US citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. - Must be able to work on-site in Gilbert, AZ.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience with C4ISR/C5ISR, border surveillance, perimeter security, ISR, persistent surveillance, Counter-UAS, or related mission systems. - Experience with sensors including radar, EO/IR, and acoustic systems. - Experience with system integration laboratories, test ranges, field trials, and operational deployments. - Familiarity with U.S. Department of War, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or other U.S. government mission environments. - Experience working across mechanical, electrical, radar, communications, software, networking, sensor, AI/ML, cybersecurity, OR systems engineering disciplines.

Benefits

Compensation for this position is location-dependent and determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, technical expertise, security clearance, skills, geographic location, and the specific requirements of the company’s programs and contracts.

Gilbert, AZ: $180,000–$200,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Eligible employees (30+ hours/week) may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month after hire. Offerings include: - Multiple Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options - Prescription coverage with mail-order option - Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Voluntary Insurance - 401(k) with John Hancock (eligible after 6 months) - Health Savings Account (HSA) - Wellness and Employee Discount programs - Paid Time Off (2 weeks), 3 Sick Days (prorated), and Paid Holidays, including Winter Break (Dec 24–31) - Semi-monthly payroll (10th & 25th)