- We are seeking an experienced Senior Mission Systems Architect / Systems Engineer to support the development and integration of advanced mission systems for special-mission aircraft programs.
- This role will be responsible for translating complex customer and operational requirements into robust system architectures, defining mission system requirements and interfaces, and leading system integration activities throughout the full program lifecycle.
- The ideal candidate brings extensive experience with Mission Management Systems, Command & Control (C2/C4ISR), communications, sensors, avionics, and aircraft systems integration, along with a strong understanding of aerospace systems engineering and certification processes.
Key Responsibilities - Work with customers, program managers, business development teams, and engineering organizations to translate high-level customer and mission requirements into detailed system, platform, and product requirements.
- Develop functional requirements and interfaces for Mission Management Systems and the integration of sensing, communication, avionics, and mission subsystems.
- Own and develop the mission systems architecture throughout the program lifecycle.
- Develop system architecture roadmaps, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), functional architectures, system requirements, and interface definitions.
- Perform architecture assessments and trade studies to evaluate potential technical solutions and define optimal system configurations.
- Lead mission systems architecture through major design and integration milestones, including Critical Design Reviews (CDR) and Critical Integration Reviews (CIR).
- Communicate system architectures, requirements, interfaces, and configurations across multiple engineering disciplines.
- Define Verification & Validation (V&V) strategies and activities from initial concept through execution and certification.
- Develop specifications and technical requirements for suppliers and integrate supplier/vendor solutions into the overall aircraft and mission system architecture.
- Coordinate the integration of sensors, communications, command-and-control, avionics, and mission computing systems.
- Support system-level integration, testing, troubleshooting, verification, and certification activities.
- Apply Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles to mission system architectures and future technology roadmaps.
- Support new business pursuits through technical assessments, solution development, white papers, technical presentations, and proposals.
- Develop data-driven technical observations and recommendations for presentation to engineering and senior leadership.
- Participate in the development and implementation of Digital Engineering and Systems Engineering strategies, processes, and tools.
- Collaborate across engineering, program management, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders to ensure successful program execution.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 10+ years of relevant aerospace, defense, mission systems, or systems engineering experience.
- Demonstrated experience with Mission Management Systems development and integration.
- Experience with Command & Control (C2/C4ISR), communications systems, sensors, ISR systems, or related mission equipment.
- Strong understanding of aircraft systems architecture, systems integration, and aircraft certification processes.
- Experience developing and managing system requirements, functional requirements, interfaces, and system architectures.
- Experience conducting trade studies, architecture assessments, and technical solution evaluations.
- Strong knowledge of complex systems development methodologies and associated aerospace practices.
- Working knowledge of ARP4754/ARP4754A and ARP4761.
- Familiarity with NATO STANAG 4671 and STANAG 4586.
- Experience with Verification & Validation planning and execution.
- Ability to understand complex technical problems from a system-level perspective and develop practical engineering solutions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts to engineering teams, customers, program leadership, and senior management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with special-mission, military, ISR, surveillance, reconnaissance, or command-and-control aircraft programs.
- Experience integrating mission computers, sensors, datalinks, communication systems, avionics, and operator interfaces.
- Knowledge of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) concepts and open-system architectures.
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or Digital Engineering methodologies.
- Experience developing CONOPS, system architecture documentation, interface control documents, and technical specifications.
- Experience working with suppliers and managing technical integration of third-party systems or equipment.
- Experience supporting technical proposals, new business pursuits, and customer presentations.
- Self-starter with a disciplined approach to independently managing complex technical activities.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and applicable engineering, requirements management, modeling, or data visualization tools.