Senior Proposal Solution Architect (Engineer Systems Architect 5

HII-Mission Technologies is seeking a Senior Proposal Solution Architect to lead the design and development of innovative, executable solutions in response to U.S. defense and federal customer requirements. This position will be based out of our Fair Lakes, VA or McLean, VA office. This position can also be based out of one of our other locations. This role bridges business development, capture, proposal and operations teams, to ensure solutions are technically sound, competitively differentiated, and aligned with mission outcomes. The architect will play a key role in shaping win strategies and driving growth across advanced technology portfolios., * Primary focus: Winning the work.

• Where you will operate: Business development, capture, proposals, and pre-award.

• Shape the technical strategy of a bid or proposal.
• Translate customer requirements into a compelling, compliant solution narrative.
• Work closely with proposal managers, capture teams, pricing, and business development.
• Determine what the solution should look like at a high level to score well against evaluation criteria.
• Balance win themes, discriminators, compliance, and cost.
• Ensure the proposed solution is deliverable/executable.

• Capture & Proposal Integration

• Align solutions with capture strategies, win themes, and discriminators.
• Collaborate with proposal managers to ensure compliance and compelling narratives.
• Support oral presentations, demonstrations, and customer engagements.

• Solution Development Framework Execution

• Lead requirement analysis and decomposition for complex federal opportunities.
• Translate customer mission needs into actionable technical and management architectures.
• Develop solution concepts, trade-off analyses, and recommend approaches.

• Technical Leadership

• Develop the technical vision for a proposal solution.
• Define architectures across domains (e.g., C5ISR, cyber, AI/ML, EW, unmanned systems).
• Ensure solutions meet open architecture, cybersecurity, and interoperability standards.
• Perform gap analysis and recommend subcontractor and vendor options to fill gaps.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Review and validate solution designs from other team members.

• Collaboration & Teaming

• Partner with business development, capture management, operations (e.g., engineering, program management), and subcontractors to integrate capabilities.
• Represent the company in customer and industry forums.

• 15 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 10 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience.
• 9+ years of experience in solution architecture, systems engineering, or technical leadership within defense or federal contracting.
• Proven track record of developing winning solutions for large federal proposals.
• Deep knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, requirements analysis, and compliance standards.
• Strong communication skills - able to translate technical solutions into compelling business narratives.
• Experience with risk management, cost estimation, and lifecycle sustainment planning.
• Active DoD TOP SECRET security clearance.

Bonus points for:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Systems Architecture, or Business Administration.
• Experience with advanced technologies such as AI/ML, cyber operations, electronic warfare, or unmanned systems.
• Prior involvement in Army, Navy, Air Force, or Space Force modernization programs.
• Familiarity with open systems architecture and modular design approaches.
• Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance.

• Hybrid work environment: combination of on-site at corporate offices, customer sites, and remote work (
• Frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams (capture, proposal, engineering, program management).
• Occasional travel (20-30%) to customer facilities, industry events, and partner sites.
• Fast-paced environment with tight deadlines aligned to federal acquisition cycles.
• Must be able to work extended hours during critical proposal development phases.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.

HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you. To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072 Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture: * Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success. * Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust. * Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work. * Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve. * Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement. * Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose. These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies., We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career. Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.