Lead Systems Engineering Architect - TS/SCI
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Job Description:
CTI, a Parsons Company, is looking for an amazingly talented Lead Systems Engineering Architect to join our team! In this role, you will serve as a senior technical leader and Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering & Architecture, acting as the Product Owner Analyst (POA) for the Systems Engineering Team and providing direct technical counsel to the Chief Engineer and program business partners.
What You'll Be Doing:
Serving as the Principal Engineering Advisor & Architect, providing senior technical leadership and SME expertise in Systems Engineering & Architecture
Acting as the Product Owner Analyst (POA) for the Systems Engineering Team, collaborating within the SAFe framework to groom and prioritize product backlogs and user stories
Providing direct technical counsel to the Chief Engineer and program business partners, ensuring alignment with mission objectives
Leveraging extensive experience in DoD and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), academic research, and multi-domain architecture to shape technical strategy and prioritize best-in-breed solutions for critical mission requirements
Overseeing system architecture, including design documentation, technical specifications, and architectural diagrams to support long-term program objectives
Analyzing user needs to define technical paths and refining conceptual designs into detailed specifications
Participating in PI planning and retrospectives, recommending workflow automations and process improvements
Promoting lab best practices and network topologies in compliance with DoD guidelines, and advocating for continuous team improvement
Representing the program at technical reviews, stakeholder engagements, and industry events
Required Clearance:
Must be a US Citizen
Must have an ACTIVE TS/SCI Clearance
What Required Skills You'll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer/Systems Engineering, or a related field
15+ years of experience in software/systems engineering or technical architecture; additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
Expertise in Multi-Domain Defense Systems and Software Architecture
Hands-on experience with military/intel data standards (e.g., Cursor on Target (CoT), FMV & KLV, JSON)
Proficiency with Apache Kafka (topics, producers/consumers, SASL/SCRAM, TLS)
Experience with TAK Ecosystem (TAK Server, WebTAK, ATAK) and intel platforms using rich data models (e.g., TRAX or OMNI-compliant databases)
Proficiency with S3-compatible storage (MinIO, AWS S3), microservices, network protocols (TCP/IP, gRPC), and Zero Trust (ZTNA) concepts (e.g., AppGate, SDP)
Expertise in DDIL (Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited) environments and fault-tolerant system design
What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer/Systems Engineering, or a related field
Experience with Kafka federation
Advanced data modeling, including OMNI vs. lightweight SA formats (CoT).
Experience with DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
Familiarity with Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS) and moving data across security classification levels
Experience with Palantir Foundry Ontology, OSDK (Functions, Sinks), and data ingestion
Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position.This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $148,300.00 - $266,900.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.
COMPETITIVE BENEFIT OFFERINGS
Financial Wellness
We care about your financial wellbeing. Parsons offers competitive pay and retirement plans to help you build wealth for the future while giving you the flexibility to diversify your investments.
Work Life Harmony
Balance in life is important and time away from the office is imperative to allow you to refresh and focus your attention on the things that matter to you. Parsons supports your time away by providing paid time off and paid flexible holidays.
Career Development
We are committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of our employees. Develop and advance yourself though our comprehensive training, educational and mentorship programs.
Veteran Support
We provide Industry leading benefits to support veterans and active-duty members to provide security for you and your family by offering robust leave and benefits; including paid active-duty military leave and paid time off when transitioning back to civilian life.
Mind & Body
At Parsons we inspire healthier habits, heathier minds, and a healthier you through our wellness program. Participate in our weekly Meditation Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays. Wellness, at Parsons, is more than just your annual checkup.
Health
Health is not a one size fits all. At Parsons, we offer a robust Employee Assistance Program as well as comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans through large, national carriers with the choice of regional PPO, HDHP, or HMO networks.

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