Systems Engineer (System Architect Focus)

Position: Senior Systems Engineer System Architect
Status: Full-Time
Hours: Standard business hours
Location: Washington, DC
Reports To: Engineering/Program Management
Security Clearance: Final DoD-granted SECRET security clearance required
Hiring: Immediate

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Our client is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer with strong system architecture expertise to define and manage the architecture of next-generation spacecraft and ground support systems.

The Systems Architect will establish technical baselines, lead trade studies, manage system interfaces, and ensure complex subsystems integrate effectively to meet mission and environmental requirements. This position will also provide technical leadership through major design reviews, including PDR and CDR.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Full-Time employment opportunity
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities
• Collaborative engineering environment
• Opportunity to support advanced spacecraft and defense systems

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Define and maintain system architectures for spacecraft and ground support systems
Establish and manage technical baselines throughout the development lifecycle
Lead system-level trade studies and evaluate design alternatives
Define and manage interfaces between spacecraft subsystems and ground systems
Ensure subsystem designs support overall mission objectives
Identify technical risks, dependencies, and integration challenges
Guide engineering teams through PDR, CDR, and other major design reviews
Provide architectural and technical direction to multidisciplinary engineering teams
Support requirements allocation, verification, integration, and testing
Evaluate evolving mission needs and recommend architectural changes
Communicate technical decisions and recommendations to program leadership and stakeholders
Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Significant experience in systems engineering and system architecture
• Experience with complex aerospace, spacecraft, defense, or mission-critical systems
• Experience with system integration, technical baselines, and trade studies
• Experience supporting major design reviews, preferably PDR and CDR
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams
• Experience with system modeling or architecture tools preferred
• Knowledge of military, aerospace, or space-environment standards preferred
• Ability to work with sensitive and classified program information

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will be a senior systems engineer with deep architecture experience and a background in spacecraft, aerospace, or defense systems. Experience leading architecture development, trade studies, system interfaces, and PDR/CDR activities is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standard office environment utilizing computers and other office equipment.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods as required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with a qualifying disability to perform the essential functions.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicants are assured of equal consideration regardless of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, GINA, political affiliation, membership or non-membership in employee organization, marital status, physical handicap which has no bearing on the ability to perform the duties of the position.