Enterprise Architect - Aerospace & Defense

Enterprise Architecture Strategy

Define enterprise architecture vision aligned with defense programs, product lifecycle, and mission readiness. Develop long-term architecture roadmaps supporting: digital thread/digital twin initiatives, engineering-to-manufacturing integration, and sustainment and lifecycle management. Aligning IT strategy with program-based funding models and contract structures.

Digital Engineering & Product Lifecycle Integration

Architect end-to-end integration across: PLM (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault 3DX, Apriso, PTC Windchill), ERP (e.g., SAP S/4HANA), MES and shop-floor systems (e.g., iBase-t Solumina), and integration platforms (e.g., eQ). Enable Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital thread continuity. Support configuration management, BOM integrity, and traceability.

Manufacturing & MRO Architecture

Design architecture supporting: smart factory/Industry 4.0 initiatives, including connected assets and test labs, predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring, MRO platforms and field service systems. Integrate IoT, edge computing, and telemetry from aircraft/defense systems.

Security, Compliance & Regulatory Alignment

Ensure compliance with: ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), CMMC, NIST 800-53, DoDAF. Implement Zero Trust architectures and secure data segregation. Support classified and unclassified environment separation.

Architecture Governance

Establish governance aligned with defense program lifecycle gates. Lead architecture review boards for major programs and proposals. Ensure reuse of platforms and reduction of program-specific silos.

Program & Capture Support

Identify new business opportunities. Support bid and proposal (capture) activities with architecture inputs. Define technical baselines for new defense contracts. Collaborate with program managers on cost, schedule, and risk.

Data & Integration Architecture

Define enterprise data strategy for: engineering data, manufacturing and quality data, sustainment and operational data. Implement API-led and event-driven integration across legacy and modern systems. Enable secure data sharing across partners, suppliers, and government entities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field. Experience: 20+ years in IT or engineering systems within Aerospace & Defense. 7+ years in Enterprise or Solution Architecture roles. Experience supporting defense programs, OEMs, or Tier 1 suppliers. Experience in executing Smart Factory initiatives.

Core Competencies

A&D Domain Expertise: Product lifecycle management (PLM), Engineering design and simulation environments, Manufacturing execution and quality systems, MRO and sustainment operations Architecture Frameworks, TOGAF, DoDAF / MODAF (preferred), SAFe for large-scale program execution. Technical Expertise: Cloud environments (including GovCloud / classified cloud), Digital thread & digital twin architectures, IoT / edge computing in aerospace systems, High-performance computing (HPC) for simulation workloads, Cybersecurity in regulated environments. Leadership & Stakeholder Management: Experience working with program managers, chief engineers, government stakeholders (DoD, primes), strong ability to operate in matrixed, program-driven environments.

Preferred Certifications

TOGAF Certification, Cloud Architect (AWS/Azure GovCloud), CISSP, SAFe Agilist

Key Deliverables

Enterprise architecture aligned to defense programs, Digital thread / digital twin architecture blueprints, Secure data exchange frameworks, Program-aligned technology roadmaps, Architecture input for RFPs and contract bids

Success Metrics (KPIs)

Program execution efficiency (cost, schedule adherence), Reduction in engineering/manufacturing rework, Digital thread adoption across lifecycle, Compliance audit success (ITAR, CMMC), Improved fleet readiness and sustainment efficiency

Unique Aspects of This Role in A&D

Operates within highly regulated, security-sensitive environments. Balances program-specific customization vs enterprise standardization. Supports long lifecycle systems (20–40 years). Integrates engineering rigor with enterprise IT strategy.