Mission Architect - Space Systems

EchoStar•Germantown, MD

23h

About The Position

EchoStar’s Hughes Network Systems division is seeking 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, 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, solving complex government customer connectivity challenges. The role focuses on front-end business development and architecting technically feasible, end-to-end mission solutions for U.S. defense and intelligence customers, while supporting active programs and pursuing organic growth in collaboration with engineering, executive, and customer teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field.
At least 15 years of relevant work and/or military experience.
Active U.S. government security clearance at the TS or TS/SCI level.
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 in front-end business development, proposal development, and CONOPs generation within U.S. DoW/IC markets.
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.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex, ambiguous technical challenges and translate large datasets into actionable recommendations.
Executive communication, technical presentation, and mentoring capabilities to guide cross-functional teams and align interdisciplinary stakeholders.
AI literacy and ability to apply AI to evaluate emerging technology trends, automate analytical workflows, and support strategic decisions.
Experience driving revenue growth through global technology partnerships and cross-matrixed leadership within defense telecommunications.
Willingness to participate in at least one in-person interview.

Nice To Haves

An 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.

Responsibilities

Lead customer engagement, proposal creation, and technical studies to win hardware, software, and service business across military and intelligence markets.
Architect system concepts of operations (CONOPs), mission requirements, and multi-domain connectivity solutions aligned with government operational needs.
Align multidisciplinary R&D, engineering, and partner teams to support market relevance and 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.
Support space- and ground-enabled mission architectures across programs serving the U.S. Department of War, Intelligence Community, and mission partners.