Principal Space Systems Architect

STR • Melbourne, FL

1d • $206,000 - $284,000

About The Position

The SMS Sector is seeking a Principal Space System Architect to leverage their system engineering expertise in a dynamic Research & Development environment. In this role, you will be an integral part of a team dedicated to the design and development of a cutting-edge space-based radar system. Your responsibilities will include defining the architecture and requirements for the constellation, encompassing command and control, intersatellite communications, ground processing, spectrum allocation, and satellite sensor modes. You will work to determine how functionality should be partitioned between space and ground segments, taking into account key constraints such as SWAP-C and security.
As the system architect, you will collaborate closely with the chief engineer and program manager to establish and execute the program’s objectives, requirements, and development plan. You will also play a key role in assessing current and future system capabilities and providing technical development insights for business development initiatives. This position offers significant opportunities for career growth within a fast-paced and rapidly expanding company.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship as mandated by the U.S. government
• BS, MS, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• A minimum of 7+ years of relevant engineering experience with a proven track record in a similar System Architect role
• Deep expertise with space system engineering, specifically focused on command control, data transport, and ground processing
• Relevant experience working with subcontractors to fabricate, build, and assemble space subsystems
• Multi-disciplinary knowledge in areas related to system engineering, including mission modeling, systems design, hardware, software, and firmware design, integration, and testing
• Skilled at leading and directing the activities of development teams
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of RF systems in one more more of the following domains: Radar, Electronic Warfare, Electronic Attack, and Communication systems

Nice To Haves

• Active Security Clearance at the Secret or Top Secret (TS) level
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing optical communications hardware
• Deep understanding of onboard versus ground-based processing trades
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to fellow engineers, researchers, and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience providing technical contributions to business development and proposal efforts
• Real-time software development skills
• Experience with field test planning and execution

Responsibilities

• Lead the system architecture and requirements development for a team building a space-based sensing constellation
• Perform and/or oversee detailed analysis to derive command and control, data transport, and ground processing requirements
• Identify the system development roadmap to address technical risks, while collaborating with other team leads and subcontractors to test and integrate subsystems
• Work with teams inside STR and across the government to come to a common understanding of how the mission may be partitioned between the system under development and other government systems. Develop interface control documents that capture these major interactions
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers across various groups and divisions
• Provide guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior staff

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree