Mission Architect - Space Systems

EchoStar•Germantown, MD

About The Position

EchoStar’s Hughes Network Systems division is hiring a Director-level Mission Architect to support its Defense and Government Solutions Division. The role oversees space- and ground-enabled mission architectures across programs serving the U.S. Department of War, the Intelligence Community, and mission partners. It applies Hughes’ satellite communications expertise to connect commercial innovation with mission-critical defense capabilities. The Mission Architect is a subject matter expert in space- and ground-enabled connectivity across operational domains. The primary focus is front-end business development and architecting technically feasible, end-to-end mission solutions for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. The role also supports active programs and organic growth strategies in partnership with engineering, executive, and customer teams. Candidates must be willing to participate in at least one in-person interview. Visa sponsorship is not available. Compensation is listed at $168,245.00 to $240,350.00 per year, with individual compensation varying according to qualifications, skills, competencies, and work location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field.
At least 15 years of relevant work and/or military experience.
At least 15 years of experience with satellite and terrestrial communication systems integration across space, air, sea, land, and cyber domains.
At least 15 years of experience with front-end business development, proposal development, and CONOPs generation within U.S. Department of War or Intelligence Community markets.
Active U.S. government security clearance at the TS or TS/SCI level.
Deep expertise in space- and ground-enabled connectivity, SATCOM, software-defined networking, and multi-domain operational mission frameworks.
Ability to establish and maintain senior-level stakeholder relationships across government agencies, defense contractors, and technology partners.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate complex, ambiguous technical challenges and translate large datasets into actionable recommendations.
Executive communication and technical presentation capabilities, along with the ability to mentor and guide cross-functional teams.
AI literacy and the ability to apply AI to evaluate emerging technology trends, automate analytical workflows, and support strategic decision-making.
Experience driving revenue growth through global technology partnerships and cross-matrixed leadership within defense telecommunications.

Nice To Haves

Existing network of senior leaders within USSF, NRO, DISA, COCOMs, other armed services, or intelligence agencies.
Experience delivering polished executive-level presentations and mentoring team members to improve team performance.

Responsibilities

Lead customer engagement, proposal creation, and technical studies to win new hardware, software, and service business across military and intelligence markets.
Architect advanced system CONOPs, mission requirements, and multi-domain connectivity solutions aligned with government operational needs.
Align multidisciplinary teams across research and development, engineering, and partner organizations to support market relevance and seamless execution.
Evaluate emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive products to maintain market differentiation.
Use AI tools and data analytics to accelerate system architecture evaluations, synthesize market research, and optimize business development efforts.
Define near- and long-term strategic growth initiatives with senior leadership and capture adjacent organic growth opportunities on active programs.
Oversee space- and ground-enabled mission architectures across the division’s portfolio of government programs.