Principal Architecture Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

AV is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Architecture Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for defining and evaluating Missile Defense System (MDS) trade capability, architectural performance metrics, and other critical high‑level performance metrics as they relate to missile defense.

• Provide Expertise:
  Offer technical guidance on missile defense activities, including adversary capabilities, systems engineering, and evaluation. Stay informed of intelligence updates regarding new threat systems impacting future missile defense architectures.
• Evaluate MDS Adequacy:
  Assess the current Missile Defense Systems (MDS) to determine their effectiveness against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile threats. Recommend strategies for system improvements, concept of operations, and alternative solutions for cost‑effective and technologically advanced systems.
• Allied Systems Integration:
  Analyze the defense capabilities of Allied Missile Defense Systems and identify ways to incorporate them into U.S. systems to strengthen overall defense capabilities.
• Consulting & Strategic Guidance:
  Provide consulting services to internal and external stakeholders, including Services and Combatant Commanders. Offer strategic advice and direction on MDS development efforts.
• Collaboration with Experts:
  Engage with FFRDCs, UARCs, and OGAs to support technical improvements and program process enhancements.
• Support Architecture Evolution:
  Contribute to the development of the Defense Architecture strategy by assessing interim and final results of Analysis of Alternatives and other analytical activities.
• Analysis & Feasibility:
  Assist in conducting analysis, demonstrations, and tests to assess feasibility and verify that architecture analysis assumptions are credible.

• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in a STEM field.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 12 years in missile defense or other complex, large DoD programs/projects.
• Security Clearance:
  Active Secret clearance.
• Technical Expertise:
  Proven missile defense experience with the ability to accomplish duties independently.

• Hypersonic Weapons Knowledge:
  Understanding of hypersonic weapons’ capabilities and limitations.
• Software Proficiency:
  Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint.
• MDS Knowledge:
  Familiarity with MDS components, architectures, and concepts.
• MDA
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience with MDA or other complex MDS elements is a plus.
• Military Background:
  Previous military experience, preferably as a Navy veteran in roles like Aegis Weapon System EDO or Joint Interface Control Officer, or as an Army/Air Force veteran with knowledge of MDS elements such as THAAD, LTAMDS, Sentinel, PATRIOT, or GMD.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the forefront of missile defense technology, with a strong focus on technical expertise, innovation, and strategic development within the defense sector.

Secret

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.

Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on Aero Vironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Aero Vironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee.

See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more…