Key Responsibilities
1. Enterprise Architecture Strategy (A&D Context) • Define enterprise architecture vision aligned with defense programs, product lifecycle, and mission readiness • Develop long-term architecture roadmaps supporting: o Digital thread / digital twin initiatives o Engineering-to-manufacturing integration o Sustainment and lifecycle management • Aligning IT strategy with program-based funding models and contract structures
2. Digital Engineering & Product Lifecycle Integration • Architect end-to-end integration across: o PLM (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault 3DX, Apriso, PTC Windchill) o ERP (e.g., SAP S/4HANA) o MES and shop-floor systems (e.g., iBase-t Solumina) o Integration platforms (e.g., eQ) • Enable Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital thread continuity • Support configuration management, BOM integrity, and traceability
3. Manufacturing & MRO Architecture • Design architecture supporting: o Smart factory / Industry 4.0 initiatives, including connected assets and test labs o Predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring o MRO platforms and field service systems • Integrate IoT, edge computing, and telemetry from aircraft/defense systems
4. Security, Compliance & Regulatory Alignment • Ensure compliance with: o ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) o CMMC o NIST 800-53 o DoDAF o Implement Zero Trust architectures and secure data segregation o Support classified and unclassified environment separation
5. 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 6. 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
7. Data & Integration Architecture • Define enterprise data strategy for: o Engineering data o Manufacturing and quality data o 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 o Program managers o Chief engineers o Government stakeholders (DoD, primes) o 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