Space Systems Architect Lead

METECS is seeking a Space Systems Architect to lead architecture definition, trade studies, and early prototyping efforts for NASA human spaceflight and lunar surface systems. This role is for a senior technical leader who can carry a complex space system from concept through prototype, producing decision-quality architecture products, down-select recommendations, and implementation-ready technical direction.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams (systems, software, avionics, simulation, robotics, operations) to define mission and system architectures, analyze alternatives, manage interfaces, and translate mission needs into requirements, models, and prototyping plans. The ideal candidate combines deep space systems architecture experience with strong technical writing and the ability to lead and influence across organizations.

• Develop system architectures: define mission, functional, logical, and physical frameworks; establish CONOPS, interfaces, and function allocations.
• Conduct trade studies: identify trade space, criteria, and methods; analyze options and present recommendations.
• Oversee concept-to-prototype: turn architecture into requirements and prototype plans; lead early builds, demos, or testbeds.
• Create architecture artifacts: produce diagrams, ICDs, requirements, verification plans, and traceability for reviews and meetings.
• Coordinate disciplines: integrate efforts across software, avionics, simulation, power, comms, operations, and safety for unified solutions.
• Support proposals/studies: write architectural sections and technical approaches for NASA and commercial opportunities.

• 10+ years (or equivalent) in space systems architecture and/or systems engineering with clear architecture ownership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience executing trade studies for mission/system concepts (e.g., alternative architectures, subsystem trades, performance vs. risk vs. cost).
• Proven experience carrying a system from concept to prototype, including requirements/architecture definition and hands‑on guidance through early implementation (prototype/testbed/demonstration).
• Strong ability to develop architecture products: CONOPS, requirements, interface concepts, and architecture decision rationale.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to brief technical and leadership audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field.

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Controls, or a closely related discipline with architecture-focused coursework or research.
• Experience with MBSE (SysML, modeling tools) and/or architecture frameworks applied to aerospace systems.
• Experience with NASA human spaceflight programs (e.g., Gateway, ISS, Orion, Artemis, HLS) and/or commercial space programs.
• Experience with prototype environments: simulation/digital twins, HITL/HIL testing, flight/ground system integration labs, or rapid prototyping pipelines.
• Familiarity with NASA-centric engineering rigor (requirements traceability, V&V planning, configuration control, design review lifecycle).
• Domain depth in one or more: avionics/C&DH, autonomy/robotics, communications, ECLSS, power/thermal, or surface systems/logistics.

Citizenship or lawful permanent resident required due to federal position.

We are a high-performance team providing advanced engineering, software, and analysis solutions for human space flight and terrestrial applications. We develop and integrate custom software for NASA and other government and commercial customers utilizing a wide variety of in-house, commercial, and open-source technologies. Our specialties include robotics automation, embedded systems, hardware/software integration, multibody dynamics simulations, immersive computer graphics, XR systems and advanced web-based tools.

METECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.