Systems Architect Prin - Level 6 (Secret)

Lockheed Martin; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 205,000 - 381,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Flexible work arrangements

401(k) match

Paid time off

Parental Leave

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a Chief Ground Systems Architect to lead the technical vision for the Ground segment of a next-gen MILSATCOM program, shaping architecture and ensuring integration and testing.

The role requires extensive systems engineering experience, MBSE, and collaboration across engineering disciplines and customers, with active DoD security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technical discipline or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• 10+ years of Systems Architecture or Systems Engineering experience.
• Experience with satellite ground systems design, development, integration and test.
• Active Secret clearance required (US citizen).

Responsibilities

• Lead the Ground segment technical vision & roadmap for the program.
• Govern architectural standards and oversee system integration & testing.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines and with customers to ensure mission success.

Skills

Systems Architecture

MBSE

Cloud & microservices

Jira & Confluence

Strong communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technical discipline

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MBSE tools

Cameo

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Standard Job Description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.

Standard Job Description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.

At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.

Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that’s built for you.

• This position is contingent upon program award with an expected 4th Quarter 2026 start date ***

Lockheed Martin is designing, developing, and delivering a next-gen wideband MILSATCOM system comprised of integrated space and ground segments that will provide enhanced communications capacity, flexibility and resiliency.

The selected candidate will support the Ground segment of the program as a Chief Ground Systems Architect leading the technical vision & roadmap, defining & evolving the ground architecture, governing & enforcing architectural standards, and oversight of system integration & testing, contributing to the successful integration, test and delivery of the Ground segment. The candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment with frequent and direct interaction with various engineering disciplines and customers. Prior experience as a Systems Engineer or Architect with extensive domain knowledge of ground systems, networks, and integration & test of enterprise software products is required.

Designs, develops and oversees system architectures, including complex systems and systems design activities. Serves as focal point for the development and communication of the system architecture. Ensures conversion of mission requirements into total systems solutions that account for design and technology maturity constraints of the system. Develops systems and system element architecture, design, and interface definition. Supports internal and external design reviews. Maintains knowledge of current and developing technologies and design and analysis methodologies. Develops models and architectural guidelines for current and future system development.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering/Technical discipline or closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience
• 10 or more years of Systems Architecture or Systems Engineering experience
• Systems Engineering experience with at least one of: Requirements, CONOPS, ICDs, or Architecture
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of systems engineering process
• Prior experience with satellite ground systems design, development, integration, and test
• Experience with Space payload and vehicle management for comms missions
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
• Experience with enterprise Ground Product Line (GPL) products Horizon, Compass or Hades
• Experience working in an Agile I&T environment, including tools such as Jira and Confluence
• An active Secret clearance is required prior to start (Must be a US citizen).

Desired Skills

• Experience supporting Systems Engineering technical performance objectives, deliverables and customer-facing reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Experience working with different engineering disciplines to derive, decompose and verify requirements
• Strong knowledge of modern technology frameworks, IP networking, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices, APIs, DevSecOps, and data architecture
• Experience in software development using programming and scripting languages such as C++, Java, JavaScript, C#, Python, etc.
• Experience in application containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, etc.) in a cloud environment (AWS/Azure/Openstack/Openshift)
• Proficiency with SysML and Cameo
• Experience with MOSA
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with technical teams across virtual environments
• Systems Architect (ADQP) certification
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Support occasional business travel (up to 25%)
• Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $205300.00 - $381300.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.