Aircraft Subsystems Architect - Engineer

Architect the Future of Mission-Ready Aircraft Systems Aircraft Subsystems Architect – Engineer | Wichita, KS | $110K–$130K (Direct Hire)

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation industry to hire a highly experienced Aircraft Subsystems Architect – Engineer (Direct Hire) to shape the next generation of miss ionized aircraft platforms. If you bring deep expertise in Mission Management Systems, Command & Control communications, and sensor integration — and thrive at the intersection of architecture, certification, and innovation — this is your opportunity to lead from concept through certification.

As the Aircraft Subsystems Architect, you will own the mission systems architecture across the full program lifecycle. From translating high-level customer needs into detailed system requirements to leading design milestones and certification strategies, your decisions will directly influence platform capability, performance, and mission success.

This is a high-visibility technical leadership role, based full onsite in Wichita, KS, with occasional travel.

Job Title: Aircraft Subsystems Architect – Engineer

Location: Wichita, KS (Full Onsite)

Salary Range: $110,000–$130,000 annually (Direct Hire)

Travel: Occasional

• Translate high-level customer requirements into detailed platform and subsystem requirements
• Develop functional requirements and define interfaces for Mission Management Systems and sensing/communication subsystems
• Own and evolve the mission system architecture, including:
• Roadmap development
• Trade studies
• Concept of Operations (CONOPS)
• Requirements and interface elaboration throughout the lifecycle
• Lead architectural progress through major milestones, including Critical Design Reviews (CDR) and Critical Integration Reviews (CIR)
• Conduct solution trade-off analyses to define optimal product configurations
• Communicate architectural frameworks across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Define Validation & Verification (V&V) strategies from concept through execution
• Develop supplier specifications and oversee integration of vendor solutions
• Support new business pursuits through white papers and proposals
• Present data-driven observations and recommendations to senior leadership
• Contribute to Digital and Systems Engineering Strategy and implementation initiatives
• Apply Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering
• 10+ years of experience in:
• Mission Management Systems development
• Command & Control communications
• Sensor integration and certification
• Strong knowledge of complex systems development methodologies (e.g., ARP
  4754, ARP
  4761)
• Familiarity with NATO STANAG 4671 and 4586
• Solid understanding of aircraft systems and certification processes
• Experience using simulation tools and requirements capture tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong analytical and holistic problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences
• This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies:
  1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or
  2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to independently manage complex programs
• Experience with data visualization tools
• Experience contributing to digital engineering transformations
• Familiarity with MOSA framework implementation

At PDS Tech Commercial, you’ll step into a pivotal architecture role supporting advanced aviation programs that demand innovation, rigor, and collaboration.

You’ll benefit from:

• Full onsite collaboration in Wichita — a cornerstone of aviation innovation
• Opportunity to lead architecture decisions across mission‑critical systems
• Exposure to cross‑functional and executive‑level engagement
• A culture that…