Chief SIGINT Systems Architect & Technical Advisor Jobs

Chief SIGINT Systems Architect & Technical AdvisorLocation: Chantilly, VAJob Code: 1679Number of Openings: 1Employee Referral Bonus Eligible: YesFTS International, LLC (FTS) is committed to providing the Federal Government with quality consultants and support. To ensure mission success we focus on putting our customers first while minimizing corporate bureaucracy on our staff. We provide Subject Matter Experts (SME) free of Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) focused on independent analysis and mission support services within the disciplines of Engineering, Counter Terrorism Operations, Management, Information Technology, Signals Analysis.FTS has an opportunity for a Chief SIGINT Systems Architect & Technical Advisor in Chantilly, VA. The Chief SIGINT Systems Architect & Technical Advisor will serve as a trusted technical advisor, helping senior government leaders evaluate architectural alternatives, balance mission performance and affordability, identify opportunities for innovation, shape acquisition strategies, and communicate complex technical and programmatic issues to executive stakeholders.Responsibilities:Advise the SIGINT Chief Architect and government leadership on next-generation SIGINT architecture concepts, technology options, and technical strategiesLead or support architecture trades and analyses evaluating mission performance, technical feasibility, cost, schedule, risk, scalability, and affordabilityDevelop independent technical assessments, courses of action, and recommendations to inform senior-level architecture and portfolio decisionsEvaluate emerging technologies, innovative approaches, prototypes, and other opportunities to advance mission capability while controlling cost and technical riskSynthesize information from market research, government studies, engineering analyses, and other sources into clear recommendations and actionable paths forwardSupport development and execution of portfolio activities acquiring cutting-edge SIGINT capabilities and prototypesEvaluate acquisition strategies that translate architectural objectives and customer vision into executable programsAdvise government technical and acquisition personnel on requirements, acquisition approaches, program development, and implementationAssess technical and cost considerations associated with proposals, designs, performance data, and alternative acquisition approachesIdentify opportunities to improve affordability, reduce lifecycle costs, manage technical risk, and accelerate delivery of mission capabilitiesSupport development of acquisition documentation, technical and programmatic requirements, acquisition packages, SOWs, CDRLs, and related artifacts as appropriateTranslate complex technical, architectural, acquisition, cost, and mission issues into clear recommendations for senior government leadersDevelop executive briefings, decision papers, strategic messaging, point papers, reports, and other materials that clearly articulate customer vision, mission value, investment priorities, and recommended courses of actionInterface effectively with senior stakeholders across the Intelligence Community, Department of War, acquisition organizations, technical organizations, and industrySupport strategic communications that build understanding and alignment around portfolio priorities, architectural decisions, and acquisition strategiesRequired Skills/Qualifications:TS/SCI with polygraphMS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) in engineering discipline30+ years of experience in supporting SIGINT mission systems and in collaborating with key stakeholders and mission partners20+ years of experience with the design and development of satellite systems, technologies and their application in military and defense operations12+ years of experience with major system acquisition including acquisition and budgeting processDemonstrated ability to perform rigorous technical and cost/performance analysis and translate results into actionable recommendationsDemonstrated understanding of Intelligence Community and/or Department of War acquisition processes, documentation, and budgetary considerationsStrong written, oral, briefing, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive audiencesDemonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross-functional environment and independently drive work to completionWorking knowledge of the FAR, applicable acquisition regulations and policies, contract types, and acquisition processesAbility to develop high-quality strategic messaging, presentations, point papers, reports, and decision-support materialsDesired Skills/Qualifications:Ph.D. in engineering disciplineDemonstrated experience advising senior government leaders and influencing significant technical, architectural, programmatic, or acquisition decisionsDeep experience with DoW and Intelligence Community acquisition cycles, acquisition documentation, and budgetary processesExperience with cost estimation techniques, cost modeling, and cost/performance trade analysisExperience developing architectural representations to inform senior management decision-makingExperience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and practicesDAWIA Level III certification in Program Management or equivalent acquisition/program management experienceExperience with Agile development practicesHands-on industry experience with RF payload engineering, integration, and testExperience evaluating emerging technologies, prototypes, commercial capabilities, or innovative acquisition approachesFamiliarity with NSA capabilities and organizationFamiliar with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Engineering/Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Agile development, cloud technologiesExpected Salary Range: $187,000 - $229,000 per year. Placement within the range is determined by qualifications, job-related criteria, experience, internal equity and market considerations. In addition, FTS International, LLC has benefits offerings in addition to salary to include Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections. FTS International, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer - vets/disabled.