System of Systems Architect

Apex Systems is currently hiring a System-of-Systems Architect to support a large federal client’s mission-critical national security program. This individual will define and evolve the end-to-end architecture for a complex ecosystem of interconnected systems, services, and platforms. The System-of-Systems Architect will work closely with government stakeholders, program leadership, systems engineers, software teams, cybersecurity specialists, and operational users to ensure diverse systems integrate into a cohesive, resilient, and scalable mission capability. This is a 12-month contract-to-hire opportunity supporting an Air Force software acquisition program. The position requires full-time onsite work in a classified environment in Reston, Virginia.

Project Details / Mission Supported:

• Support the DIFC2 project under the CBC2 program, an Air Force initiative associated with the ABMS IDIQ.
• Contribute to a software acquisition program focused on enabling and executing low-range kill chains.
• Develop and maintain system-of-systems architecture across operational, logical, physical, and data views.
• Collect, analyze, and translate information from architecture models into actionable engineering and program recommendations.
• Define end-to-end system interfaces, integration patterns, and data exchanges across multiple systems and mission domains.
• Create and maintain architecture artifacts using DoDAF, Model-Based Systems Engineering methodologies, and applicable modeling approaches.
• Lead architecture trade studies, alternatives analyses, and technology assessments to support modernization and capability evolution.
• Ensure traceability from mission objectives and operational needs through requirements, architecture, design, integration, and implementation.
• Partner with systems engineers, MBSE modelers, software teams, and cybersecurity professionals to align architecture models with implementation roadmaps.
• Develop architecture roadmaps, transition plans, technical insertion strategies, interface documentation, and supporting technical materials.
• Support technical reviews and governance activities, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and architecture review boards.
• Provide technical leadership to small engineering teams and communicate architectural concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with government customers and multi-contractor teams in a SCIF environment.
• Participate in weekly team scrums and broader biweekly program collaboration involving approximately 27 team members.

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Additional applicable experience may be considered in lieu of a degree based on contract requirements.
• Approximately 10 or more years of systems engineering, system architecture, enterprise architecture, or related experience. Candidates with fewer years may be considered if they possess a strong foundational background and directly relevant experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of both system architecture and systems engineering principles.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering and architecture modeling.
• Experience using the Department of Defense Architecture Framework, or DoDAF, to develop and maintain architecture products.
• Experience collecting, interpreting, and documenting information from architecture models.
• Experience drafting architecture artifacts, technical documentation, interface documentation, models, diagrams, roadmaps, or related engineering materials.
• Experience architecting systems within relevant mission domains such as space systems, air systems, intelligence systems, C4ISR, or similar DoD or Intelligence Community environments.
• Experience defining interfaces and supporting integration across multiple independent systems, services, stakeholders, or mission domains.
• Familiarity with SysML, UML, UAF, MBSE tools, interface control documents, data models, or sequence diagrams.
• Understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture and design, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
• Ability to work effectively on a small engineering team while collaborating across a larger, multidisciplinary program.
• Strong communication and briefing skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Professional, collaborative, solutions-oriented approach when working in close proximity to government customers.
• Ability to work effectively with different personalities, receive feedback, and contribute to a respectful, low-drama team environment.
• Ability to travel up to approximately 10%, although travel is expected to be limited., * Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting Air Force, Intelligence Community, DoD C4ISR, space, air, intelligence, or other mission-critical systems.
• Experience with SysML modeling tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, Rhapsody, or Enterprise Architect.
• Familiarity with software-intensive and distributed systems, including APIs, messaging, service-oriented architectures, or microservices.
• Experience with cloud environments, containerization, orchestration, digital engineering environments, simulation, analytics, or CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity, zero trust, RMF, NIST, or NIST 800-53 requirements.
• Experience developing enterprise, portfolio, or capability evolution roadmaps.
• Relevant certifications such as INCOSE CSEP or ESEP, TOGAF, SAFe Architect, CISSP, Security+, or an AWS/Azure architecture certification.

Location: fully on-site in Reston, Virginia 20190; free parking is available Clearance Level: TS/SCI Employment Model: 12-month contract-to-hire Salary/Pay Range: $200,000-$230,000 annually upon conversion, based on experience and qualifications Travel: Up to 10%; limited travel is expected

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be able to maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance as a condition and continuation of employment.