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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Ground Software Systems Architect - **Company:** Umbra Inc. - **Location:** Goleta, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $195,000.0 - $235,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computing Platforms, Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Cyber Security, Information Systems, DevOps, Design of User Interfaces, IT Management, Networking Hardware, Python (Programming Language), Key Management, Network Security, Software Architecture, Software Deployment, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Virtualization Technology, Scripting, Software Security, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Kubernetes, Information Technology, Enterprise Integration, Network Server, Devsecops, Docker, Programming Languages, Microservices - **Published:** October 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/ground-software-systems-architect-umbra-company-10604217 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline. * Active TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to maintain access. * Strong understanding of space-to-ground software system architectures, including spacecraft and ground interfaces, ground communications, mission operations, and the integration of ground software with broader space mission systems. * Experience serving as a technical lead or architect, owning architectural decisions, coordinating engineering execution, and driving complex technical initiatives through delivery. * 10+ years of professional experience in systems engineering, software engineering, infrastructure engineering, or ground systems engineering supporting complex government or aerospace programs. * Demonstrated experience architecting, developing, integrating, and delivering mission-critical ground software or ground systems supporting Intelligence Community (IC), DoD, space, ISR, or other national security programs. * Experience with IT infrastructure and network integration, including secure networking, virtualization, storage, servers, and enterprise computing environments. * Strong understanding of modern software architecture, event-driven microservices, interface design, and automated testing practices. * Strong systems engineering experience leading system integration, verification, validation, operational testing, and requirements decomposition for complex ground systems. * Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python or C/C++ Desired Qualifications * Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline. * Experience supporting ISR, SAR, or other space-based intelligence collection missions. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience collaborating across multidisciplinary engineering teams and government stakeholders. * Hands-on experience with enterprise IT hardware, including servers, networking equipment, storage appliances, and virtualization platforms. * Experience developing and implementing Communications Security (COMSEC) plans, key management, and secure communications requirements. * Strong understanding of RED/BLACK architectures, secure system boundary design, cross-domain considerations, and classified network security principles. * Experience with automated integration and test frameworks, scripting, and laboratory development. * Familiarity with Kubernetes/Docker containerized services, DevSecOps practices, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and modern software deployment pipelines. * Experience supporting U.S. Government, DoD, Intelligence Community, or NRO space programs. ## Description The Ground Software Systems Architect is responsible for defining, designing, integrating, validating, and delivering secure, mission-critical ground software systems supporting advanced space, ISR, and national security missions. This hands-on technical leadership role serves as the ground software systems architecture lead for a key customer program, translating complex mission requirements and operational challenges into scalable, resilient, and secure software and enterprise solutions across classified computing environments. The ideal candidate brings a combination of deep technical expertise, systems-level thinking, and strong customer-facing leadership. They understand how space and ground systems integrate, have experience developing and deploying software in classified environments, and can navigate complex customer organizations while balancing technical objectives, program priorities, and stakeholder expectations. Working closely with software, hardware, network, cybersecurity, mission engineering teams, and government stakeholders, this individual will lead technical strategy, architecture, integration, and execution throughout the program lifecycle. Success in this role requires someone who can take ownership of complex technical challenges, lead multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders, and drive solutions from initial customer needs through operational deployment. This position is based on-site in our Reston, VA, Arlington, VA, or Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA office. If you are interested in working from the Santa Barbara office, high travel of 50%+ will be required for the first year., * Lead Ground Software Architecture: A strong understanding of software architecture, event-driven microservices, interface design, and automated testing practices. Define and develop end-to-end architectures for mission-critical ground systems supporting space, ISR, and national security missions, ensuring scalable, resilient, and secure enterprise solutions. * Lead System Integration & Verification: Plan and execute system integration, verification, validation, and operational test activities to ensure ground systems meet mission, performance, cybersecurity, and operational requirements. * Design Secure Enterprise Infrastructure: Develop and implement secure computing environments including COMSEC, RED/BLACK architectures, cross-domain interfaces, classified networking, Kubernetes/Docker containerized services, virtualization, storage, and enterprise IT infrastructure. * Drive Technical Leadership & Customer Engagement: Act as a primary technical interface with government customers and stakeholders. Understand customer challenges, translate operational needs into actionable technical requirements and solutions, and communicate architectural decisions, risks, and tradeoffs effectively. Navigate complex stakeholder environments with sound judgment, diplomacy, and an understanding of both technical and programmatic priorities. Present technical solutions at customer reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and ORR. * Provide Cross-Functional Technical Leadership: Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, program management, and customer organizations to resolve technical challenges, maintain alignment, and deliver integrated solutions. * Enable Mission Operations & Modern Engineering Practices: Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver mission-ready ground capabilities using software systems engineering best practices, DevSecOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), automation, and modern software deployment pipelines supporting U.S. Government and Intelligence Community programs.