Remote Chief Architect — Defense Systems & Digital

Lever, Inc.; Boston, Dayton (MA, OH); Hybrid; USD 157,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

Aether Aerospace is seeking a Chief Architect to provide technical leadership across complex Air Force programs. You will define the architectural vision, guide system-of-systems architectures, and align engineering teams across government, contractor, and mission partners.

The role emphasizes model-based systems engineering, DevSecOps, secure software factories, cloud platforms, and digital engineering tools, with TS/SCI clearance and a 15+ year background in aerospace or defense systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline and 15+ years of relevant experience
• Active TS/SCI clearance required
• Experience leading architecture for large, multi-team defense programs
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle and risk management
• Experience with software-intensive systems, cloud-native design, and secure software supply chains

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain technical vision and modernization roadmap for Air Force programs
• Translate mission needs into coherent system architectures and executable strategies
• Lead architecture across mission systems, cloud environments, cybersecurity, and digital engineering toolchains
• Apply disciplined systems engineering throughout lifecycle including requirements, verification, and deployment
• Govern architecture baselines, standards, and reusable design patterns
• Promote model-based systems engineering and authoritative data sources
• Guide adoption of digital engineering capabilities and DevSecOps practices
• Ensure alignment with Air Force enterprise services, cloud environments, and cybersecurity requirements
• Champion modular open system approaches and interoperability
• Identify gaps, risks, and develop practical transition plans

Skills

Systems engineering

Software architecture

Cloud platforms

DevSecOps

Model-based systems engineering

Cybersecurity

Architectural leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in systems engineering/CS/engineering management

Tools

SysML

UML

MBSE tools

Job description

Aether Aerospace is seeking a Chief Architect to provide technical leadership across complex Air Force programs. You will define the architectural vision, guide system-of-systems architectures, and align engineering teams across government, contractor, and mission partners.

The role emphasizes model-based systems engineering, DevSecOps, secure software factories, cloud platforms, and digital engineering tools, with TS/SCI clearance and a 15+ year background in aerospace or defense systems.