Our client, a leading federal defense contractor has multiple openings for Systems Architects to support the Space Force Golden Dome program. You will be part of a cross-functional team driving next-generation missile tracking and defense initiatives. You will lead architecture development for complex space and ground systems, integrating mission-critical performance requirements with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to deliver resilient, high-performance solutions that advance national defense.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead end-to-end space and ground system architecture development, leveraging MBSE principles and tools (e.g., MagicDraw).
- Perform requirements analysis and decomposition into physical, functional, and logical architectures.
- Define and manage Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) and conduct system-level trade studies to optimize mission effectiveness.
- Develop and coordinate Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and system interfaces across multiple subsystems and teams.
- Conduct probabilistic and mission performance analysis, manage system design models, and ensure alignment within MBSE frameworks.
- Support Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) operations and define interfaces for space-to-ground communications.
- Drive system thread design, CONOPS development, and design change management throughout the lifecycle.
- Support flight dynamics management activities including orbit insertion, station keeping, collision avoidance, and deorbit operations.
- Collaborate with customers and partners to define common technical solutions and ensure alignment across enterprise interfaces.

Required Skills

- Due to the nature of work being performed, U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Bachelor-s degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field. Also requires 8+ years of job-related experience, or a Master's degree plus 6 years of job-related experience.
- Agile experience preferred.
- Proven Space/Ground system architecture experience using MBSE tools and methods.
- Strong knowledge of space mission design, including sensing, communication, payload management, and mission data processing.
- Experience with space constellation systems and operational architectures.
- Deep understanding of ICD development and coordination for space missions.
- Familiarity with flight dynamics management, orbit determination, and space-to-ground contact planning.
- Working knowledge of CCSDS protocols, RF/optical space communications, and IP networking.
- Experience with OpenC3, FreeFlyer, and/or Meridian tools.
- Familiarity with cloud architectures and enterprise interface technologies (gRPC, Kafka, REST, SNMP, etc.).
- Background in AI-enabled space operations, automated flight dynamics workflows, or constellation situational awareness.
- Experience with Missile Defense Agency (MDA) or related defense programs preferred.