Space Sensing Solution Architect

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Are you ready for your next career challenge? Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. Are you looking to make an impact in developing space-based sensing capabilities that help solve national security challenges? The Proliferated Space Systems Division within the Leidos Space Business Area currently has an opening for a Solution Architect to work in our San Diego, CA office. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience creating solutions for the design, build and test of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) payloads where Leidos is transforming the payload solutions for the future. The Solution Architect leads the development of technical solutions of space-based sensing solutions during the capture and conceptual development phases of the program. This is a dynamic, challenging opportunity to lead the production of integrated sensor technologies that are highly capable, fieldable, and scalable. In this role, you will serve as a growth-minded leader of space-based sensing development and production programs, reporting to the Division Manager. Primary Responsibilities Serve as a technical expert while driving innovation and modernization for space-based payloads and technologies, including EO/IR and RF sensors Front end leadership of new sensor concepts from ideation to program start-up through modeling & simulation, prototyping, and analysis Bring together technical, program management and value proposition skills to create a compelling proposal solution Work closely with program execution, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to develop and execute robust product roadmaps for sensor payloads and key technologies Work closely with Growth teams to understand critical mission needs, engage customers, develop business strategies, and market potential solutions Serve as the technical lead for new business captures that require innovative sensing solutions Collaborate across the company (including executive leadership) to support Leidos’ overall space strategies Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other STEM field with a minimum of 20 years of related work experience, or a Master’s with a minimum of 15 years of related work experience 5+ years demonstrated technical leadership in the design, analysis, development, production, and operation of space-based sensors Extensive understanding of national security space community and missions Strong technical leadership, collaboration, and problem solving skills, including the ability to mentor and lead technical teams Organizational and business acumen to navigate and communicate through complex situations, establishing strong teams and strategies both internal and external to Leidos Current DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI Preferred Qualifications 10+ years supporting national security space missions and customers 10+ years of demonstrated experience driving innovation and discrimination in technical solutions Experience as a solution architect and/or technical volume lead on captures and proposals for medium to large sized firm fixed price efforts ($50M-$1B) Experience articulating complex technical concepts to customers, business development, program execution, technical teams, and executives, both orally and in writing Extensive understanding of Digital Engineering principles and their application Active DoD TS/SCI clearance If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares. Original Posting: May 27, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $154,050.00 - $278,475.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law. Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit Pay and Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here. Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to View email address on click.appcast.io. Commitment and Diversity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.