Principal Systems Architect - C5ISR

Our client, a federal contractor supporting U.S. defense and homeland security missions, is seeking a hands-on Principal Systems Architect - C5ISR to lead the architecture, integration, testing, and technical execution of advanced C4ISR/C5ISR, border/perimeter surveillance, and Counter-UAS systems.

The ideal candidate will translate customer mission needs into scalable system architectures and top-level designs integrating technologies such as sensors, communications, command-and-control, networking, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and edge computing. This role works closely with engineering teams, customers, Program Managers, Business Development, and external partners from concept through deployment and operational acceptance.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Architecture & Technical Leadership

Lead end-to-end system architecture and provide hands-on technical direction across multidisciplinary engineering teams. Define system components, interfaces, integration requirements, technical standards, and architecture roadmaps. Evaluate technical tradeoffs related to performance, cost, reliability, scalability, cybersecurity, and deployability. Provide system-level design guidance as needed. Systems Engineering & Product Development

Translate customer and operational requirements into system designs, technical specifications, and traceable engineering requirements. Guide integrated hardware and software systems from concept through development, production, deployment, and sustainment. Manage system interfaces, technical dependencies, configuration baselines, and architectural risks. Apply sound systems-engineering principles across complex, multi-domain, and multi-vendor solutions. Systems Integration, Verification & Test

Lead system-level integration, verification, validation, testing, demonstrations, field trials, and customer acceptance activities. Develop integration and test plans, procedures, verification methods, and acceptance criteria. Resolve interface, interoperability, performance, and system-level technical issues through hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis. Support integration laboratories, test ranges, field deployments, and operational demonstrations as required. Customer & Business Development Support

Serve as a senior technical authority during customer engagements, demonstrations, technical reviews, proposals, and business development activities. Translate customer mission needs into executable technical solutions, system concepts, architectures, and technical approaches. Collaborate with Program Managers, Business Development, engineering teams, customers, subcontractors, and technology partners. Provide technical input to proposals, solution development, program planning, and customer presentations.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline. Minimum of 10 years of experience architecting, developing, integrating, and testing complex defense, aerospace, C4ISR/C5ISR, surveillance, communications, or other mission-critical systems. Demonstrated experience translating operational and customer mission needs into top-level system architectures and engineering designs. Demonstrated experience taking integrated hardware/software systems from concept through architecture, development, integration, testing, deployment, and operational acceptance. Strong understanding of systems engineering, sensors, communications, networking, distributed computing, software architecture, and system integration. Proven experience integrating multi-vendor and multi-domain systems. Strong understanding of requirements management, requirements traceability, interface definition, verification, validation, and acceptance testing. Ability to personally contribute technically while providing architecture, development, integration, and testing leadership. Must be a US citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. Must be able to work on-site in either Gilbert, AZ. Preferred Qualifications

Experience with C4ISR/C5ISR, border surveillance, perimeter security, ISR, persistent surveillance, Counter-UAS, or related mission systems. Experience with sensors including radar, EO/IR, and acoustic systems. Experience with RF systems, sensor fusion, tracking, geospatial systems, AI/ML, computer vision, and automated detection/classification. Experience with Counter-UAS detection, tracking, identification, and/or defeat systems. Experience with edge computing, tactical communications, mesh networking, autonomous/unmanned systems, or disconnected and low-bandwidth operational environments. Experience with command-and-control systems, persistent surveillance hardware, and integrated mission systems. Experience with system integration laboratories, test ranges, field trials, and operational deployments. Familiarity with U.S. Department of War, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or other U.S. government mission environments. Experience with MBSE/SysML and digital engineering. Experience incorporating cybersecurity into complex system architectures. Experience with cloud and hybrid-cloud architectures. Experience working across mechanical, electrical, radar, communications, software, networking, sensor, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and systems engineering disciplines.

Compensation for this position is location-dependent and determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, technical expertise, security clearance, skills, geographic location, and the specific requirements of the company’s programs and contracts.

Gilbert, AZ: $180,000-$200,000, depending on qualifications and experience., Eligible employees (30+ hours/week) may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month after hire. Offerings include:

Multiple Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options Prescription coverage with mail-order option Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Voluntary Insurance 401(k) with John Hancock (eligible after 6 months) Health Savings Account (HSA) Wellness and Employee Discount programs Paid Time Off (2 weeks), 3 Sick Days (prorated), and Paid Holidays, including Winter Break (Dec 24-31) Semi-monthly payroll (10th & 25th)