Systems Architect

EXPANSIA; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

EXPANSIA, Huntsville, AL, seeks a Systems Architect to join the Defense Technology platform Aether Aerospace. You will develop and analyze system architectures for next-generation aviation and defense platforms, bridging technical execution with cross-team collaboration to inform design decisions and identify integration risks.

This role requires an active DoD Secret Clearance, a BS in a technical field, 3–5 years of MBSE experience with SysML (Cameo or MagicDraw), and knowledge of MOSA, IP

Qualifications

• Clearance: Active DoD Secret Clearance required.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (Systems/Computer/Electrical/Software Engineering or CS).
• 3–5 years of professional systems engineering/architecture experience.
• Experience modeling systems in SysML in MBSE environments.

Responsibilities

• Participate in major milestone reviews (CDR, TRR).
• Build and review MBSE models, assess MOSA strategy.
• Review changes for modularity and openness impacts.
• Analyze architectures to mitigate integration risks.
• Create briefing materials for leadership.

Skills

Clearance: Active DoD Secret Clearance

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler

MagicDraw

Job description

Start Date: Immediate JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

OVERVIEW

Full-time/Permanent Employee Location: Huntsville, ALThe Systems Architect will join our engineering team to develop and analyze system architectures for complex, next-generation aviation and defense platforms. You will independently navigate "model of models" environments and evaluate system designs to ensure they align with our overarching architecture framework and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) objectives. This role is ideal for an engineer who can bridge technical execution with cross-team collaboration to inform design decisions and identify integration risks.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in and contribute technical analysis for major milestone reviews, including Critical Design Review (CDR) and Test Readiness Review (TRR).
• Build, navigate, and review MBSE system models, actively identifying design concerns related to the platform's MOSA strategy.
• Review supplier/OEM architectural changes for impacts to system modularity and openness.
• Analyze architecture frameworks to identify and mitigate complex integration concerns.
• Develop and present briefing materials, translating technical data into clear updates and recommendations for team leads and leadership.
• Collaborate with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and other stakeholders to ensure alignment to the system architecture.
• Support requirements flow-down, interface definition, and integration verification for complex systems.
• Contribute to program management tasks, including tracking and supporting surveillance of cost, schedule, and performance.
• Assist in updating system interoperability and information support documentation, such as Information Support Plans (ISPs).

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Clearance: Active DoD Secret Clearance
• Education and Years of Experience: Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or another related technical discipline.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in systems engineering and architecture.
• Demonstrated practical experience modeling systems in SysML and navigating MBSE environments (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively within collaborative, cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with military aviation acquisition programs or large-scale defense system integration.
• Working knowledge of modular system standards (e.g., MOSA, FACE, HOST, or commercial equivalents).
• Familiarity with Multi-Core Processors, Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA), real-time operating environments, or IP networking.
• Experience working collaboratively in team environments, such as Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) or Agile engineering teams.
• Experience with Earned value Management (EVM) and managing control accounts.
• Familiarity with Army airworthiness, system safety, or materiel release processes.

$95,000 - $120,000 a year

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, the specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education and certifications.

Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.