Chief Systems Architect- AIR6500

Lockheed Martin; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 210,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Australia seeks a Chief Systems Architect to lead AIR6500 JABMS architecture, aligning requirements, design, and verification with strategic Defence objectives. You will drive governance across the lifecycle and collaborate with Defence stakeholders, suppliers and engineering teams to shape the future of Australia's Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability.

The role requires strong MBSE, SysML and architectural framework knowledge, plus proven experience in risk management,

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading architecture and systems engineering on large Defence System-of-Systems programs.
• Deep expertise across lifecycle stages: requirements, design, integration, testing, verification and sustainment.
• Proven ability to lead trade studies, governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of MBSE, SysML and architectural frameworks; experience with modern requirements tools.
• Experience delivering capability within highly integrated engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, maintenance and governance of AIR6500 JABMS architecture across the full lifecycle.
• Review and endorse subsystem designs aligned with the AIR6500 JABMS architecture.
• Translate customer/regulatory/operational needs into architectural solutions and baselines.
• Drive architecture trade studies, decision-making, requirements management and V&V strategy.
• Lead risk identification, mitigation and assurance while maintaining traceability.
• Engage with Defence customers, suppliers and engineering teams to achieve consensus on outcomes.
• Mentor architects and engineers, promoting engineering excellence and continuous improvement.

Skills

MBSE

SysML

Architectural frameworks

Requirements management

Technical governance

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Agile systems engineering

AI prompting

Tools

JAZZ tooling

Job description

Eligibility: Applicants must be Australian citizens and be eligible to obtain and maintain an active Australian Government Defence security clearance at the level required for the position.

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

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
• 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.

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 NV2 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.