C5ISRT & UXV Architect

Thales • Ottawa, ON

3d • CA$145,000 - CA$210,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The mission of the C5ISRT & UxV Architect is to ensure that the technical policy and strategic plan are well-defined and understood by the project, in line with the business objectives, and implemented accordingly. This role involves leading the definition and design of mission-critical systems, driving the future of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and UxV architectures. The architect will also be responsible for building professional teams from external partners and internal resources and communicating technical solutions to all audiences, earning the trust of critical systems operators.

Requirements

• Master’s/PhD in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years in defense/aerospace system architecture, with 5+ years specializing in C5ISRT or UXV.
• Hands-on experience with MIL-STD, STANAG, or civil-military standards (e.g., STANAG 4607 for UAVs).
• Proven track record in systems engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, Cameo, Capella, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Technical Skills: C5ISRT domains: C2, ISR, EW, cyber, tactical networks.
• UXV platforms: Autonomy stacks (e.g., ROS, PX4), payload integration, swarming.
• Modeling: SysML, UPDM, or MBSE methodologies.
• Security: Cyber hardening, KEYMAT, or cryptographic systems.
• Soft Skills: Strategic thinking with ability to translate operational needs into technical solutions.
• Leadership in cross-functional teams (engineering, PMO, customers).
• Excellent communication (technical writing, presentations to senior stakeholders).
• Must be able to obtain and hold a valid Canadian security clearance and meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Canadian Controlled Goods Registration Program and ITAR.
• Must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List and/or the US the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in at least 5: Cybersecurity
• Everything Cloud
• Mobile communications and computing
• Distributed systems
• IP Radios & Networking
• Command and control systems
• Software systems architecture
• Model-based systems engineering
• Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
• Data Science
• Data modeling
• Autonomous systems
• UX principles and methodologies
• Software systems integration
• Software development lifecycle

Responsibilities

• Define C5ISRT and UXV system architectures (functional, technical, and operational) aligned with customer requirements, NATO/DoD standards, and Thales’ roadmaps.
• Lead trade-off analyses for system components (e.g., sensors, communication links, AI/ML for autonomy, cybersecurity layers).
• Ensure interoperability with legacy systems, allied forces’ platforms, and joint all-domain command and control (JADC2) frameworks.
• Model system-of-systems (SoS) interactions using tools like SysML, UAF, or DoDAF/MoDAF.
• Specify requirements for unmanned aerial (UAV), ground (UGV), maritime (USV), or underwater (UUV) vehicles within C5ISRT ecosystems.
• Design autonomous behaviors, swarming algorithms, and human-machine teaming (HMT) interfaces.
• Integrate AI/ML for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), target recognition, and decision support.
• Address safety, ethics, and regulatory compliance (e.g., NATO STANAG, ICAO for UAVs).
• Develop tactical data links (e.g., Link 16, VMF, SATCOM), network-centric warfare (NCW) architectures, and resilient communications (e.g., anti-jam, LOWPROB).
• Design cybersecure C2 systems with zero-trust principles, encryption, and anti-tampering measures.
• Optimize sensor fusion (e.g., radar, EO/IR, SIGINT) and data exploitation for real-time situational awareness.
• Act as the technical authority in proposals, customer meetings, and gate reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR).
• Align architectures with Thales’ SIX product lines (e.g., HexaForce, CDP, A2C2).
• Support bid teams with cost-benefit analyses, roadmaps, and differentiators vs. competitors.
• Mentor junior architects/engineers on C5ISRT/UXV best practices.
• Scout emerging technologies (e.g., quantum-resistant crypto, 6G for defense, edge AI) for future architectures.
• Contribute to Thales’ R&T programs and collaborative projects (e.g., IDeaS, ISC, NATO DIANE).
• Patent novel solutions in autonomous C2 or resilient networks.

Benefits

• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, Cancer Care Program, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.
• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.
• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Discounts on home, auto, and gym membership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior