Solutions Architect

This Senior Solutions Architect role focuses on delivering embedded compute and Edge AI platforms that power next-generation unmanned systems, including Group 1-3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and maritime platforms for defense, public safety, and government customers. You will work with a portfolio of System-on-Modules (SOMs) that enable real-time perception, autonomy, and secure mission processing for applications such as ISR, force protection, perimeter security, and operations in contested environments. The position requires deep, hands-on experience with defense and UAV platforms, working directly with drone OEMs, defense primes, payload suppliers, and system integrators. You will operate at the intersection of sales, product, and engineering, scoping end-to-end unmanned system solutions, guiding product strategy based on real program requirements, and driving revenue growth in the UAV and unmanned systems market.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and nurture new OEM, Tier 1 and Tier 2 integrators, and defense prime customers to expand the design win pipeline and grow revenue in the drone and defense market, with a particular focus on AI-enabled UAVs and mission-critical unmanned systems.

• Act as the primary technical and business point of contact for key drone accounts, building multi-level relationships across engineering, product, program, and procurement teams.

• Uncover opportunities to increase compute content per platform by deeply understanding customer architectures, constraints, and mission requirements.

• Architect and scope end-to-end unmanned system solutions that integrate Edge compute and AI SOMs, sensor payloads (including EO/IR, RGB, LiDAR, radar, and SIGINT where applicable), flight controllers and autonomy stacks (such as PX4/Pixhawk, ArduPilot, and custom RTOS or Linux stacks), and onboard networking, storage, and secure communications.

• Collaborate closely with Sales to build and qualify a robust opportunity pipeline across defense primes, drone OEMs, payload vendors, and system integrators.

• Perform market, product, and technology research across UAV platforms, edge compute modules, payload ecosystems, and competing drone compute solutions.

• Conduct competitive analysis to inform the compute roadmap and identify differentiated solutions, such as NDAA/TAA-aligned stacks, low-SWaP Edge AI platforms, and secure on-device processing approaches that increase market penetration.

• Translate customer and program requirements into clear product requirements, reference architectures, and solution briefs for internal engineering and product teams.

• Support marketing and business development initiatives by providing technical input for UAV-focused product launches and campaigns.

• Participate in defense and UAV industry events to represent the company's technical capabilities and engage with customers and partners.

• Develop technical collateral, demonstrations, and customer success narratives tied to real platforms and deployments to showcase solution value and performance.

• Work closely with internal product and engineering teams to ensure solutions align with customer needs and program requirements, providing feedback from the field to shape product strategy.

• Maintain a strong understanding of evolving standards, regulations, and best practices in defense, UAV, and unmanned systems to ensure proposed solutions remain relevant and compliant., This is a remote role that is highly field-facing and collaborative, operating at the intersection of sales, product, and engineering. You will work closely with distributed teams and customers across defense, public safety, and government sectors, frequently engaging with drone OEMs, defense primes, payload vendors, and system integrators. The environment emphasizes technically rigorous solution design, integration of embedded compute and Edge AI platforms, and continuous interaction with evolving UAV technologies and ecosystems.

• At least 8 years of experience in the defense or drone sector in a technical, sales, or solutions-oriented role.

• Demonstrated experience working with drone OEMs, defense primes, or system integrators on deployed platforms or program-of-record systems.

• Strong technical understanding of UAV system architecture, including onboard compute, sensor integration, flight control, and ground control systems.

• Hands-on experience with embedded compute platforms, System-on-Modules (SoMs), or related technologies, particularly in design-in or platform selection contexts.

• Ability to credibly engage with engineering teams and defense customers on system architecture, design trade-offs, performance constraints, and mission requirements.

• Deep familiarity with drones, UAVs, electronics, embedded systems, and IoT technologies as they relate to unmanned platforms.

• Proficiency in working with flight controllers and autonomy stacks such as PX4/Pixhawk, ArduPilot, and custom RTOS or Linux-based stacks.

• Strong analytical skills for market, product, and technology research and competitive analysis in UAV and edge compute markets.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical requirements into clear documentation, reference architectures, and solution briefs.

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience integrating sensor payloads such as EO/IR, RGB, LiDAR, radar, and SIGINT into unmanned platforms.

• Knowledge of secure communications, onboard networking, and storage architectures for unmanned systems.

• Familiarity with NDAA/TAA-aligned technology stacks and secure on-device processing approaches in defense contexts.

• Background in supporting or leading proof-of-concept projects that integrate SOMs, sensors, flight control stacks, and ground control systems.

• Experience developing technical collateral, demonstrations, and customer success stories tied to real-world UAV or unmanned system deployments.

• Comfort operating in highly collaborative, cross-functional environments spanning sales, product management, engineering, and marketing.

• Ability to represent technical solutions effectively at industry events, conferences, and customer-facing forums.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.