Chief System Architect – AIR6500

Lockheed Martin Australia Pty Ltd; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Leave and development opportunities

Employee discounts

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Australia is seeking a Chief Systems Architect to lead the AIR6500 program, delivering a high‑impact Defence capability. You will govern the system architecture and drive MBSE practices to ensure alignment with operational needs, technical requirements and future capability objectives.

This senior role involves collaboration with Defence stakeholders, suppliers and engineering teams, mentoring engineers, and shaping decisions across the lifecycle while maintaining security and

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading architecture and systems engineering on large Defence System-of-Systems programs.
• Deep expertise across requirements analysis, design, integration, testing and sustainment.
• Proven ability to govern architecture and drive MBSE adoption and tooling.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, maintenance and governance of the AIR6500 JABMS architecture across the full system lifecycle.
• Review and endorse subsystem designs to align with the AIR6500 JABMS architecture.
• Translate requirements into robust architectural solutions, specifications and baselines.
• Drive architecture trade studies, decision-making, requirements management, integration planning and V&V strategy.
• Lead risk identification, mitigation and assurance while maintaining traceability.
• Engage Defence customers, suppliers, subcontractors and engineering teams to reach technical consensus.
• Mentor architects and engineers while championing engineering excellence and continuous improvement.

Skills

MBSE

SysML

Architectural frameworks

Requirements management

Stakeholder engagement

Agile systems engineering

C2/IAMD knowledge

Tools

Modeling tools

Job description

Join the AIR6500 program as the Chief Systems Architect and play a leading role in delivering one of Australia's most complex and strategically important Defence capabilities. AIR6500 is developing the Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS), a next-generation integrated capability that connects sensors, command and control systems, and effectors across multiple domains.

As the senior architectural authority within the program, you will drive the definition, evolution and governance of the system architecture, ensuring the solution remains aligned to operational needs, technical requirements and future capability objectives. Working alongside Defence stakeholders, engineering leaders, suppliers and industry partners, you will influence major design decisions and shape the future of Australia's Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Systems Architect's primary responsibilities include:

• Lead the development, maintenance and governance of the AIR6500 JABMS architecture across the full system lifecycle
• Review and endorse the subsystem teams design solutions in alignment with the AIR6500 JABMS architecture
• Translate customer, regulatory and operational requirements into robust architectural solutions, specifications and system baselines
• Drive architecture trade studies, technical decision-making, requirements management, integration planning and V&V strategy
• Lead technical risk identification, mitigation and assurance activities while maintaining configuration integrity and traceability
• Engage with Defence customers, suppliers, subcontractors and engineering teams to achieve consensus on technical outcomes
• Mentor architects and engineers while championing engineering excellence, standards adoption and continuous improvement

What you’ll bring

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Extensive experience leading architecture and systems engineering activities across large-scale, complex Defence System-of-Systems programs
• Deep expertise across the full engineering lifecycle including requirements analysis, design, integration, testing, verification and sustainment
• Strong experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), SysML, architectural frameworks and contemporary requirements management tools
• Proven ability to lead trade studies, technical governance, risk management and complex stakeholder engagement activities
• Expertise in Agile systems engineering methodologies and delivering capability within highly integrated engineering environments
• Knowledge of Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), Integrated Fire Control Networks, Distributed C2, JAZZ tooling, or Defence certification frameworks will be highly regarded
• NV1 security clearance and ability to handle Export Controlled information
• Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice

If you're excited by this opportunity but don't meet every criterion, we'd still love to hear from you. Your skills and experience may be a great fit for this role, or another opportunity within our organisation.

What we offer you

• Work on innovative projects, collaborate across borders and build your skills through internal secondments and structured career pathways
• Working across a wide variety of projects across the defence domain. Opportunities to pick a particular area of focus, or gain a diverse range of experiences and skills
• Access face to face and online development opportunities, supported by employee recognition programs and annual awards events
• Many roles offer flexible options to help you shape a work pattern that fits your life
• Purchase up to four additional weeks of leave each year, plus access dedicated study leave, and quarterly blood donor leave
• Receive free mental health support for you and your family, participate in health month activities and access resources that support your wellbeing
• Access a wide range of employee discounts, novated leasing options, referral incentives and financial guidance through your Superannuation provider

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a dynamic organisation, providing stimulating and challenging opportunities with a global team of over 122,000 professionals. We embrace flexibility, so our people can be their best inside and outside of work. As a leader in national security, our innovative and diverse programs create a more secure future for Australia across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Defence Security Clearance and employment may be contingent on the provision of further personal information including citizenship to ensure compliance with international export control legislation and regulations.

Veteran Friendly Workplace

Veterans are encouraged to apply. We highly value the unique skills and experiences that veterans and transitioning service members can contribute to our team. We are proud to be recognised as a Veteran Friendly Employer by the Australian Government.

Lockheed Martin Australia supports Equal Employment Opportunity and values diversity in the workplace by creating a place of employment that is, free of unlawful discrimination and is harassment free, fair, ethical, inclusive, and values the contribution of all its employees. By leveraging our employees’ unique talents and experiences, we will deliver innovative, affordable solutions and unparalleled customer value.

As part of our endeavours to increase participation of Indigenous Australians, we welcome applications from all people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. If you are selected for this role, we would be happy to discuss any adjustments that will help you to be successful.