Principal Space System Architect

About the Team:

The Sensors Division specializes in the development of advanced sensor systems, with a particular focus on airborne and surface-based radar, space-based sensing, electronic warfare, and underwater acoustics. This position is within the Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector of the Sensors Division. In this sector, we develop and deliver technology to advance space-based sensing, space control, and counter-sensing missions.

The Role:

The SMS Sector is seeking a Principal Space System Architect to leverage their system engineering expertise in a dynamic Research & Development environment. In this role, you will be an integral part of a team dedicated to the design and development of a cutting-edge space-based radar system. Your responsibilities will include defining the architecture and requirements for the constellation, encompassing command and control, intersatellite communications, ground processing, spectrum allocation, and satellite sensor modes. You will work to determine how functionality should be partitioned between space and ground segments, taking into account key constraints such as SWAP-C and security.

As the system architect, you will collaborate closely with the chief engineer and program manager to establish and execute the program’s objectives, requirements, and development plan. You will also play a key role in assessing current and future system capabilities and providing technical development insights for business development initiatives. This position offers significant opportunities for career growth within a fast-paced and rapidly expanding company.

What you will do:

• Lead the system architecture and requirements development for a team building a space-based sensing constellation


• Perform and/or oversee detailed analysis to derive command and control, data transport, and ground processing requirements


• Identify the system development roadmap to address technical risks, while collaborating with other team leads and subcontractors to test and integrate subsystems


• Work with teams inside STR and across the government to come to a common understanding of how the mission may be partitioned between the system under development and other government systems. Develop interface control documents that capture these major interactions.


• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers across various groups and divisions.


• Provide guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior staff.

Who you are:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship as mandated by the U.S. government.


• BS, MS, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline


• A minimum of 7+ years of relevant engineering experience with a proven track record in a similar System Architect role


• Deep expertise with space system engineering, specifically focused on command control, data transport, and ground processing


• Relevant experience working with subcontractors to fabricate, build, and assemble space subsystems


• Multi-disciplinary knowledge in areas related to system engineering, including mission modeling, systems design, hardware software, and firmware design, integration, and testing


• Skilled at leading and directing the activities of development teams


• Strong verbal and written communication skills


• Strong understanding of RF systems in one more more of the following domains: Radar, Electronic Warfare, Electronic Attack, and Communication systems

Even Better:

• Active Security Clearance at the Secret or Top Secret (TS) level


• Experience designing, integrating, and testing optical communications hardware


• Deep understanding of onboard versus ground-based processing trades


• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to fellow engineers, researchers, and non-technical stakeholders


• Experience providing technical contributions to business development and proposal efforts


• Real-time software development skills


• Experience with field test planning and execution

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.