Description

Are you looking to make an impact in developing space-based sensing capabilities that help solve national security challenges?

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 sustainably. 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.

Leidos Defense Systems Sector develops and produces advanced space, aerial, surface, and sub-surface manned and un-manned defense systems. With proven multi-domain expertise in autonomy, cyber, intelligence, and manufacturing, we deliver advanced, mission-critical services and solutions to protect the warfighter and our national security. To explore and learn more, click here!

In a time where space-based missions are rapidly evolving and scaling, Leidos’ satellite sensor payloads play a critical role. The Aerospace Systems Business Area within Leidos’ Defense Systems Sector delivers these sensors at scale to serve multiple national security customers.

Aerospace Systems has an immediate opening for a Solution Architect to lead the technical development of space-based sensing solutions. 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 functional leader of space-based sensing research and development, reporting to the Chief Technology Officer for Aerospace Systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical expert while driving innovation and modernization for space-based payloads and technologies, including EO/IR and RF sensors
• Support the development of new sensor concepts through modeling & simulation, prototyping, and analysis
• Lead an investment portfolio designed to strengthen and grow Leidos’s capabilities in sensor payload design, development, and production at scale
• 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

The preferred base locations for this role are Huntsville, AL; San Diego, CA; Chantilly/Reston/Arlington, VA; or Denver/Colorado Springs, Co. Selected candidate is expected to travel approximately 25% of the time.

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
• 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 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

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"-we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2... good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:
May 7, 2025

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 $148,850.00 - $269,075.00

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.