Principal Architecture Engineer

Overview

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 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 (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) 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.

Secret

U.S. Citizenship required

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 information about our benefits offerings please visit:  We also encourage you to review our company website at  to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Based in California, Aero Vironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

Building on a history of technological innovation, Aero Vironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. Aero Vironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.