JSE Lead Open Systems Architect

Job Title: JSE Lead Open Systems Architect

Job Description

The JSE Lead Open Systems Architect leads the open architecture strategy for defense simulation and training programs, ensuring weapon system trainers and Joint Simulation Environment (JSE)-connected products remain competitive, modular, and vendor-agnostic in a sustained competition environment. This role designs and integrates scalable simulation systems, drives interoperability and compliance with government standards, and serves as the technical authority for open systems architecture across key programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead open systems architecture efforts for JSE and SCARS programs, ensuring alignment and compliance with applicable government standards and reference architectures.
• Design, integrate, and oversee scalable simulation and training systems within the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), focusing on modularity, interoperability, and performance.
• Serve as the technical lead for open architecture, interoperability, and compliance requirements, providing guidance and direction to engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Support proposals by contributing technical content, architecture concepts, and solutions, and assist in the development of technical documentation and long-term roadmaps for architecture, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps initiatives.
• Develop and maintain virtual training scenarios, mission content, and simulation configurations tailored to specific training and mission objectives.
• Partner closely with engineers, subject matter experts, and government stakeholders to translate training and mission requirements into executable simulation environments.
• Support scenario testing, validation, and execution for large-scale, multi-site training events within distributed simulation environments.
• Create, maintain, and manage architecture models, interface control documents (ICDs), and compliance artifacts using model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
• Represent the organization at customer meetings, industry events, and government working groups, clearly communicating architectural approaches, capabilities, and technical trade-offs.
• Travel periodically to support customer engagements, on-site testing, and training activities at company and government locations.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and DevSecOps teams to ensure architectures support secure, resilient, and maintainable simulation and training solutions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of open systems practices, including adoption of relevant standards, frameworks, and tools for modeling and simulation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in systems architecture, simulation, or defense training systems supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
• Hands-on experience with systems engineering and systems architecture in complex, mission-critical environments.
• Strong in modeling and simulation (M&S) and distributed simulations for defense or training systems.
• Experience designing and integrating complex simulation, training, or mission systems, including weapon system trainers and related platforms.
• Knowledge of open architecture frameworks and standards such as Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), SCARS, OMS, UCI, AMS-GRA, and A-GRA.
• Familiarity with distributed simulation technologies, including High Level Architecture (HLA), Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), and Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA).
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies, including SysML and tools such as Cameo, and the creation and maintenance of interface control documents (ICDs) and architecture documentation.
• Understanding of system interoperability, application programming interfaces (APIs), and middleware technologies such as Data Distribution Service (DDS) or similar platforms.
• Strong technical writing skills with experience producing technical documentation, architecture descriptions, and proposal content.
• Demonstrated ability to support proposals and roadmap planning for architecture, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps initiatives.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineers, subject matter experts, and government stakeholders.
• Active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret Clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) or SCARS programs.
• Knowledge of open systems and modular standards such as SOSA and FACE.
• Familiarity with Risk Management Framework (RMF), Authority to Operate (ATO) processes, and other DoD architecture or cybersecurity standards.
• Experience supporting government proposals and defense acquisition efforts, including technical volumes and solution architectures.
• Previous experience in roles such as Lead Systems Engineer, Solution Architect, Chief Engineer, or Open Systems Architect on defense programs.
• Experience using tools and environments related to MBSE and distributed simulation, such as SysML, Cameo, GRID, and similar platforms.
• working with middleware, messaging, or broker technologies such as DDS or comparable solutions.
• Ability to represent technical solutions effectively at customer meetings, industry events, and government working groups.

Work Environment

This position operates in a 100% remote work environment, with remote access provided through a company-issued laptop. The role primarily supports Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) work over an extended period, requiring adherence to secure handling and remote access practices. While the position is fully remote, the organization prefers candidates located in or near major defense and simulation hubs such as Dayton, Orlando, and locations in Virginia, with additional consideration for candidates in areas including Dallas, Chicago, and St. Louis. The role involves periodic travel to company facilities or government installations to support customer engagements, testing events, and training activities that may require access to cleared information. The work centers on advanced Department of Defense simulation and training programs, including the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), offering the opportunity to influence how pilots and warfighters train at the intersection of mission operations, modeling and simulation, and cutting-edge defense technology.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $160000.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.