Space Systems Architect Lead

METECS is seeking a Space Systems Architectto lead architecture definition trade studies and early prototyping efforts for NASA human spaceflight and lunar surface systems. This role is for a senior technical leader who can carry a complex space system from concept through prototype producing decision-quality architecture products down-select recommendations and implementation-ready technical direction.
You will work with multidisciplinary teams (systems software avionics simulation robotics operations) to define mission and system architectures analyze alternatives manage interfaces and translate mission needs into requirements models and prototyping plans. The ideal candidate combines deep space systems architecture experiencewith strong technical writing and the ability to lead and influence across organizations.

Responsibilities:

• Develop system architectures: define mission functional logical and physical frameworks; establish CONOPS interfaces and function allocations.
• Conduct trade studies: identify trade space criteria and methods; analyze options and present recommendations.
• Oversee concept-to-prototype: turn architecture into requirements and prototype plans; lead early builds demos or testbeds.
• Create architecture artifacts: produce diagrams ICDs requirements verification plans and traceability for reviews and meetings.
• Coordinate disciplines: integrate efforts across software avionics simulation power comms operations and safety for unified solutions.
• Support proposals/studies: write architectural sections and technical approaches for NASA and commercial opportunities.

Required Qualifications:

• 10 years(or equivalent) in space systems architectureand/or systems engineering with clear architecture ownership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience executing trade studiesfor mission/system concepts (e.g. alternative architectures subsystem trades performance vs. risk vs. cost).
• Proven experience carrying a system from concept to prototype including requirements/architecture definition and hands-on guidance through early implementation (prototype/testbed/demonstration).
• Strong ability to develop architecture products: CONOPS requirements interface concepts and architecture decision rationale.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to brief technical and leadership audiences.
• Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering Systems Engineering Electrical/Computer Engineering Mechanical Engineering Physics or related field.

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.)in Systems Engineering Aerospace Engineering Robotics Controls or a closely related discipline with architecture-focused coursework or research.
• Experience with MBSE(SysML modeling tools) and/or architecture frameworks applied to aerospace systems.
• Experience with NASA human spaceflight programs (e.g. Gateway ISS Orion Artemis HLS) and/or commercial space programs.
• Experience with prototype environments: simulation/digital twins HITL/HIL testing flight/ground system integration labs or rapid prototyping pipelines.
• Familiarity with NASA-centric engineering rigor (requirements traceability V&V planning configuration control design review lifecycle).
• Domain depth in one or more: avionics/C&DH autonomy/robotics communications ECLSS power/thermal or surface systems/logistics.

Citizenship or lawful permanent resident required due to federal position.

About METECS:

We are a high-performance team providing advanced engineering software and analysis solutions for human space flight and terrestrial applications. We develop and integrate custom software for NASA and other government and commercial customers utilizing a wide variety of in-house commercial and open-source technologies. Our specialties include robotics automation embedded systems hardware/software integration multibody dynamics simulations immersive computer graphics XR systems and advanced web-based tools.

METECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer including veterans and individuals with disabilities.