Job Title: Principal Systems Architect - Mission Systems Work Type: Onsite Primary Location: Gilbert, AZ Alternative Salary: $180,000–$200,000 Overview Our client, a federal contractor supporting U.S. defense and homeland security missions, is seeking a hands-on Principal Systems Architect – C5ISR to lead the architecture, integration, testing, and technical execution of advanced C4ISR/C5ISR, border/perimeter surveillance, and Counter-UAS systems. The ideal candidate will translate customer mission needs into scalable system architectures and top-level designs integrating technologies such as sensors, communications, command-and-control, networking, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and edge computing. This role works closely with engineering teams, customers, Program Managers, Business Development, and external partners from concept through deployment and operational acceptance. Key Responsibilities Systems Architecture & Technical Leadership • Lead end-to-end system architecture and provide hands-on technical direction across multidisciplinary engineering teams. • Define system components, interfaces, integration requirements, technical standards, and architecture roadmaps. • Evaluate technical tradeoffs related to performance, cost, reliability, scalability, cybersecurity, and deployability. • Provide system-level design guidance as needed. Systems Engineering & Product Development • Translate customer and operational requirements into system designs, technical specifications, and traceable engineering requirements. • Guide integrated hardware and software systems from concept through development, production, deployment, and sustainment. • Manage system interfaces, technical dependencies, configuration baselines, and architectural risks. • Apply sound systems-engineering principles across complex, multi-domain, and multi-vendor solutions. Systems Integration, Verification & Test • Lead system-level integration, verification, validation, testing, demonstrations, field trials, and customer acceptance activities. • Develop integration and test plans, procedures, verification methods, and acceptance criteria. • Resolve interface, interoperability, performance, and system-level technical issues through hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis. • Support integration laboratories, test ranges, field deployments, and operational demonstrations as required. Customer & Business Development Support • Serve as a senior technical authority during customer engagements, demonstrations, technical reviews, proposals, and business development activities. • Translate customer mission needs into executable technical solutions, system concepts, architectures, and technical approaches. • Collaborate with Program Managers, Business Development, engineering teams, customers, subcontractors, and technology partners. • Provide technical input to proposals, solution development, program planning, and customer presentations. Requirements Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline. • Minimum of 10 years of experience architecting, developing, integrating, and testing complex defense, aerospace, C4ISR/C5ISR, surveillance, communications, OR other mission-critical systems. • Demonstrated experience translating operational and customer mission needs into top-level system architectures and engineering designs. • Demonstrated experience taking integrated hardware/software systems from concept through architecture, development, integration, testing, deployment, and operational acceptance. • Strong understanding of systems engineering, sensors, communications, networking, distributed computing, software architecture, OR system integration. • Proven experience integrating multi-vendor and multi-domain systems. • Strong understanding of requirements management, requirements traceability, interface definition, verification, validation, OR acceptance testing. • Ability to personally contribute technically while providing architecture, development, integration, and testing leadership. • Must be a US citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. • Must be able to work on-site in Gilbert, AZ. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with C4ISR/C5ISR, border surveillance, perimeter security, ISR, persistent surveillance, Counter-UAS, or related mission systems. • Experience with sensors including radar, EO/IR, and acoustic systems. • Experience with system integration laboratories, test ranges, field trials, and operational deployments. • Familiarity with U.S. Department of War, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or other U.S. government mission environments. • Experience working across mechanical, electrical, radar, communications, software, networking, sensor, AI/ML, cybersecurity, OR systems engineering disciplines. Benefits Compensation for this position is location-dependent and determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, technical expertise, security clearance, skills, geographic location, and the specific requirements of the company’s programs and contracts. Gilbert, AZ: $180,000–$200,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits Eligible employees (30+ hours/week) may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month after hire. Offerings include: • Multiple Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options • Prescription coverage with mail-order option • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Voluntary Insurance • 401(k) with John Hancock (eligible after 6 months) • Health Savings Account (HSA) • Wellness and Employee Discount programs • Paid Time Off (2 weeks), 3 Sick Days (prorated), and Paid Holidays, including Winter Break (Dec 24–31) • Semi-monthly payroll (10th & 25th)