Systems Architect

Albers Aerospace•McKinney, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Systems Architect is responsible for defining end-to-end technical solutions for complex defense problems by architecting systems that integrate both in-house technologies and external/vendor-provided capabilities. This role focuses on translating mission needs into scalable, modular, and extensible architecture that can be executed by engineering teams and partners. Rather than owning detailed implementation, the Systems Architect ensures that the right system is conceived, leveraging the optimal mix of internal development and external components to meet performance, cost, and schedule objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering)
10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or complex system development
Demonstrated experience architecting complex, multi-domain systems or system-of-systems solutions
Strong understanding of multidisciplinary systems (electrical, mechanical, software, communications, sensors)
Experience integrating or leveraging external/vendor technologies alongside internal development
Ability to operate at a conceptual level while maintaining technical credibility
U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/hold a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering strongly preferred (Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering)
Experience with UAVs, autonomous systems, or distributed sensing architectures
Background in multi-sensor integration
Experience in interoperability among systems
Experience with communications architectures, networking, and degraded/denied environments
Knowledge of defense acquisition processes and rapid prototyping environments
Experience supporting proposals or customer-facing technical solution development

Responsibilities

Develop high-level system solutions in response to mission needs, operational gaps, or customer requirements
Architect systems that combine internal products, subsystems, and third-party/vendor technologies into cohesive solutions
Define system boundaries, external interfaces, and integration concepts at a conceptual and architectural level
Evaluate multiple architectural approaches and recommend optimal solutions based on performance, risk, and scalability
Design architectures that operate across multiple platforms, sensors, and communication layers
Define how distributed systems interact, including data flow, control flow, and interoperability
Ensure solutions are modular, extensible, and adaptable to evolving mission needs
Balance centralized vs decentralized architectures depending on operational constraints
Assess internal capabilities and identify gaps requiring external solutions or partnerships
Evaluate and down-select vendor technologies, COTS components, and external systems
Define integration strategies for incorporating external hardware, software, and data sources
Ensure compatibility across interfaces, protocols, and operational environments
Lead architecture-level trade studies (performance, SWaP, cost, schedule, risk)
Evaluate different solution approaches (custom development vs COTS vs hybrid)
Define technical roadmaps and evolution paths for systems and capabilities
Support decision-making with clear technical rationale and risk assessments
Translate high-level mission needs into architectural constructs and system concepts
Shape requirements to align with feasible and scalable system solutions
Define key performance parameters (KPPs) and system-level drivers
Ensure architectural decisions support downstream requirements and implementation
Work with engineering leads (EE, ME, Software, Systems) to ensure designs align with architectural intent
Provide guidance without owning detailed design execution
Align program teams, leadership, and external partners around a common technical vision
Support Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) with architectural direction
Support customer engagements by defining technical solutions and architectures
Contribute to white papers, proposals, and concept development efforts
Communicate complex system concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders