Standard Job Description

Space Protection Programs (SPP) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Software Systems Architect Manager to lead the strategy and evolution of Spacecraft Flight Software (FSW) Systems across a multi-program portfolio.

This is a Level 5 technical leadership role responsible for driving system-level execution across software systems engineering, integration, test, and DevOps functions. The leader will oversee software focused Responsible Systems Engineers (RSEs), Component Engineers (CPEs), Software Architects, Software Systems engineers, Software Test engineers, and Agile/DevOps teams, ensuring aligned execution from requirements through integration and mission delivery.

This role operates in a mission-critical, highly integrated environment where success depends on disciplined execution, tight coordination across teams, and consistent delivery of integrated, verified capabilities.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on systems thinker and execution leader who energies strategic execution, thrives in complexity, drives clarity in ambiguous environments, and ensures engineering teams deliver integrated, mission-ready systems.

Key Responsibilities

Systems & Execution Leadership

• Lead end-to-end execution of flight software systems engineering across multiple programs within the SPP portfolio
• Ensure alignment between system architecture, requirements, verification strategy, and software execution

Integration, Verification & Delivery Ownership

• Using SW RSEs and CPEs, drive resolution of integration issues across hardware, software, and external interfaces and ensure integration readiness and execution sequencing across development teams and programs
• Oversee software verification and validation planning in coordination with systems engineering and test organizations

Agile Execution & Program Delivery

• Train the team on Agile concepts supporting consistent execution cadences across teams, ensure backlogs reflect true system priorities, integration dependencies, and mission-critical sequencing
• Support standardization of metrics and execution data to forecast delivery, identify risks, and manage program health

Leadership, Talent & Organizational Development

• Lead workforce planning, staffing strategy, hiring decisions, and team growth across software architecture, software systems engineering, test, and DevOps functions
• Foster a high-accountability execution culture focused on ownership, integration discipline, and delivery outcomes ensure engineering teams are aligned, engaged, and executing effectively within a complex multi-program environment

Manages software development activities. Responsible for coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, selection and training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary, and recognition/disciplinary actions. Oversees the design, development, documentation, and testing of software that contains logical and mathematical solutions to business/mission problems or questions in computer language for solutions by means of data processing equipment. Applies the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the development life cycle. Applies knowledge of computer hardware and software, subject matter to be programmed in business/mission applications, information processing techniques used, and information gathered from system users to develop software. Ensures software standards are met.

Basic Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in software engineering and systems execution in aerospace, defense, or other mission-critical environments
• Understanding of embedded systems, flight software, or safety-critical system development
• Strong systems engineering mindset with experience spanning software, hardware, and integration domains
• Hands-on experience with Agile execution at scale, including backlog management, release planning, and delivery governance
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM), program controls, and performance tracking
• Strong ability to coach, mentor, and build high-performing engineering teams
• Active Top Secret clearance

Desired Skills

• Prior Spacecraft Flight Software development experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-team, multi-program engineering execution efforts
• Knowledge of embedded systems architectures and test experience using embedded systems.
• Agile development experience
• Prior engineering management or project lead experience including task planning, resource management, and employee development and mentoring
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical systems/programs
• Experience working in technical teams across multiple locations Integration and test experience with large complex software systems
• Continuous integration experience
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage technical teams, program leadership, and customers
• TS/SCI with CI Poly