Principal Space System Architect

Systems & Technology Research; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative technology company is seeking a Principal Space System Architect to lead the design and development of advanced space-based radar systems. This role involves defining architecture, overseeing command and control requirements, and collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers and scientists. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in system engineering, particularly in space systems, and will be instrumental in shaping the future of space-based sensing technologies. Join a fast-paced environment where your contributions will directly impact national security and technological advancement.

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Plan

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Collaborative Work Environment

Qualifications

• 7+ years of engineering experience in a similar role.
• Expertise in space system engineering and RF systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture for space-based sensing constellation.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on technical development.

Skills

System Engineering

Space System Engineering

Command and Control

Data Transport

Ground Processing

RF Systems Knowledge

Technical Communication

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Applied Mathematics

Ph.D. in Physics

Tools

Optical Communications Hardware

Job description

The Sensors Division specializes in the development of advanced sensor systems, with a particular focus on airborne and surface-based radar, space-based sensing, electronic warfare, and underwater acoustics. This position is within the Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector of the Sensors Division. In this sector, we develop and deliver technology to advance space-based sensing, space control, and counter-sensing missions.

The Role:

The SMS Sector is seeking a Principal Space System Architect to leverage their system engineering expertise in a dynamic Research & Development environment. In this role, you will be an integral part of a team dedicated to the design and development of a cutting-edge space-based radar system. Your responsibilities will include defining the architecture and requirements for the constellation, encompassing command and control, intersatellite communications, ground processing, spectrum allocation, and satellite sensor modes. You will work to determine how functionality should be partitioned between space and ground segments, taking into account key constraints such as SWAP-C and security.

As the system architect, you will collaborate closely with the chief engineer and program manager to establish and execute the program’s objectives, requirements, and development plan. You will also play a key role in assessing current and future system capabilities and providing technical development insights for business development initiatives. This position offers significant opportunities for career growth within a fast-paced and rapidly expanding company.

What you will do:

• Lead the system architecture and requirements development for a team building a space-based sensing constellation
• Perform and/or oversee detailed analysis to derive command and control, data transport, and ground processing requirements
• Identify the system development roadmap to address technical risks, while collaborating with other team leads and subcontractors to test and integrate subsystems
• Work with teams inside STR and across the government to come to a common understanding of how the mission may be partitioned between the system under development and other government systems. Develop interface control documents that capture these major interactions.
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers across various groups and divisions.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior staff.

Who you are:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship as mandated by the U.S. government.
• BS, MS, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• A minimum of 7+ years of relevant engineering experience with a proven track record in a similar System Architect role
• Deep expertise with space system engineering, specifically focused on command control, data transport, and ground processing
• Relevant experience working with subcontractors to fabricate, build, and assemble space subsystems
• Multi-disciplinary knowledge in areas related to system engineering, including mission modeling, systems design, hardware software, and firmware design, integration, and testing
• Skilled at leading and directing the activities of development teams
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong understanding of RF systems in one more more of the following domains: Radar, Electronic Warfare, Electronic Attack, and Communication systems

Even Better:

• Active Security Clearance at the Secret or Top Secret (TS) level
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing optical communications hardware
• Deep understanding of onboard versus ground-based processing trades
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to fellow engineers, researchers, and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience providing technical contributions to business development and proposal efforts
• Experience with field test planning and execution

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STRis committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us atwww.str.us for more info.

STRis an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Resume/CV *

Enter manually

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Enter manually

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Education

School * Select...

Degree * Select...

Select...

Select...

Select...

If you are a dual citizen, what other country are you a citizen of? *

Enter "N/A" if you are not a dual citizen

Please select the highest level security clearance and access you currently hold: * Select...

How did you hear about STR? * Select...

Desired Salary? *

When are you available to begin employment with STR? *

Do you have relatives who currently work for STR? Please provide their name(s). *

Enter "N/A" if not.

Are you willing to relocate? * Select...

Preferred Location? * Select...

Secondary Location(s)?

MA - Woburn

OH - Dayton

VA - Arlington

FL - Melbourne

LinkedIn Profile

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in STR’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305

Page 1 of 1

OMB Control Number 1250-0005

Expires 04/30/2026

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026
Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp .

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
• Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
• Blind or low vision
• Cancer (past or present)
• Cardiovascular or heart disease
• Celiac disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
• Diabetes
• Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
• Intellectual or developmental disability
• Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
• Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
• Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
• Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
• Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
• Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
• Short stature (dwarfism)
• Traumatic brain injury

Disability Status Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.