Mission Architect / Mission Architectess

Mission Architect, Remote Sensing (OPIR)

Missile warning and remote sensing missions only succeed when someone can seamlessly connect sensor physics, spacecraft design, and mission-level performance into one coherent architecture. This position carries significant weight for national security outcomes.

Our partner is seeking an OPIR subject matter expert who can take ownership of mission architecture and constellation design across multiple programs. In this role, you will lead both the technical solutions and the team and business development activities behind it. If you possess deep remote sensing and OPIR experience, can effectively lead a team while also shaping new proposals, and desire genuine influence over the missions you help build, this is one of the most impactful positions we currently represent.

The Role

As the technical authority for Remote Sensing space segment design, you will cover spacecraft and constellation architecture, integrating them with ground and user segments. You will spend approximately half your time collaborating with customers and stakeholders, while the remainder will be dedicated to leading a team of 7 to 10 engineers across architecture, modeling, and analysis.

You will be responsible for mission-level budgets and key performance parameters, including line of sight knowledge, jitter, optical transmission, and latency. You will also develop the modeling and simulation tools employed to validate system performance against these parameters. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in shaping new business, writing proposals, defining requirements, and supporting programs through to on-orbit operations.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, or computer science with 14 or more years of related experience, or a Master’s degree with 12 or more years, or an equivalent combination.
• 10 or more years of experience in the design, development, delivery, and operation of space-based remote sensing missions.
• Experience with Earth observing EO/IR missions, including sensor design and performance.
• Expertise in developing mission modeling and simulation tools to assess sensing mission performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and contribute to proposal development and new business.
• US Citizenship with an active Secret clearance (active within the last 24 months).

What Sets Candidates Apart

• 20 or more years of experience in the design, development, delivery, and operation of space-based OPIR missions.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams of comparable size.
• Experience across the missile warning, tracking, and defense mission, spanning air, ground, space, and user domains.
• Experience modeling constellation-level performance.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

This is a senior, highly visible position with substantial scope for growth within the organization. Our partner operates in a fast-paced, agile environment that feels more like a startup than a traditional prime. Candidates who thrive in this setting are comfortable with ambiguity, naturally hands-on, and motivated to act as thought leaders in their domain.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.