The posting
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)
