Chief Software Architect for Missile Defense System

CFD Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

ESOP

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid leave

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Annual bonus

Job summary

CFD Research in Huntsville, Alabama, seeks a Chief Software Architect to lead the software architecture baselines, framework evolution, and MBSE strategies for critical missile defense capabilities.

This senior leader will define architecture decisions, ensure DoD cybersecurity compliance, and steer cross‑functional engineering teams and stakeholder communications.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of software architecture and MBSE experience in missile defense.
• Active DoD Secret clearance required; U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Systems Engineering; Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define software architecture baselines and MBSE strategy.
• Ensure cybersecurity compliance across projects.
• Coordinate with multiple engineering teams and government stakeholders.

Skills

Software architecture

MBSE

DevSecOps

Cross-platform vision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related STEM field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

OpenShift

Job description

About CFD Research

Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

Job Description

We are looking for a Chief Software Architect to lead the structural design, framework evolution, and model-based engineering strategies for critical missile defense capabilities. This senior leader will define the software architecture baselines, ensure strict cybersecurity implementation compliance, and steer technical decisions across multi-faceted engineering teams.

Basic Qualifications

• Security Clearance: Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Department of Defense Secret clearance (must maintain throughout contract performance).
• Experience: 15+ years of experience in software architecture, model-based engineering (MBSE), and missile defense systems.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in high-level object-oriented architecture, DevSecOps implementation frameworks, and cross-platform technical vision.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related STEM field (Master's preferred).

Desired Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of secure containerized environments (Kubernetes, Docker, OpenShift) within DoD infrastructures.
• Excellent technical presentation skills for communication with senior government stakeholders.

Benefits

• CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance.
• Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level.
• Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements.
• In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories