Solutions Architect

Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Security Clearance: US Citizen/Clearable

The stratosphere is the new high ground. We’re deploying high-altitude platforms that provide a decisive advantage for national security.

This is a high-impact, front-end engineering role. You will work directly with defense agencies and tactical operators to solve complex mission requirements. You aren’t just selling a platform; you are designing a capability. You’ll be responsible for understanding the threat environment and positioning our technology as a critical layer in the modern kill chain and multi-domain operations.

• Mission Architecting:
  Collaborate with DoD and government stakeholders to design ISR missions. You’ll define how our balloons integrate into existing sensor architectures to solve gaps in persistence and coverage.
• Requirements Translation:
  Turn high-level mission needs (e.g., “over-the-horizon targeting” or “persistent maritime surveillance”) into technical payload specifications and flight profiles.
• Strategic Defense Positioning:
  Analyze the defense market to position our platforms against—and alongside—traditional satellites and Group 5 UAS. You’ll help define our value proposition in contested environments.
• Technical Liaison:
  Lead technical deep-dives with government program managers, providing the engineering rigor needed to move from pilot programs to Programs of Record.
• CONOPS Development:
  Work with users to develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for stratospheric assets in ISR, Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), and tactical communications relay.

• Systems Thinker:
  You have an engineering degree and a deep understanding of the ISR lifecycle—from sensor phenomenology (EO/IR, SAR, SIGINT) to data backhaul and processing.
• Defense Literate:
  You understand how the government buys and uses technology. You can navigate the nuances of mission sets like Border Security, Air and Missile Defense, or Maritime Domain Awareness.
• Tactical Problem Solver:
  You enjoy the challenge of “miss ionizing” hardware. You can think through power constraints, link budgets, and environmental factors to ensure mission success.
• The “Plus” Factor (Preferred):
  You have a background in Government/Defense ISR sales or integration. If you’ve worked with the IC, Combatant Commands, or Tier 1 prime contractors, you’ll have a significant head start.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field preferred.
• The best candidates will have a strong background in commercial data sales, and not just from the technical side – from the market and strategy side.
• 10+ years job experience preferred, with 4+ years as a technical or business leader.
• MBA, PMP, Systems certifications a plus.
• Travel:
  Some travel expected (