Principal Architecture Engineer

Position: Principal Architecture Engineer
Position Type: Full-time Onsite
Position Location: Huntsville, AL
Clearance Required: Active Secret

Waypoint's client is seeking a Principal Architecture Engineer to support the Missile Defense System (MDS) by defining and evaluating future architectures, performance metrics, and capability trade spaces. This role is central to shaping how the U.S. and its allies counter advanced threats-including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles-through affordable, innovative, and technically advanced solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Provide senior-level technical expertise on missile defense activities, including adversary capabilities, systems engineering, and evaluation.
• Remain current on intelligence updates to ensure future architectures address new and emerging threat systems.
• Evaluate the adequacy of existing MDS architectures and recommend improvements to CONOPS, system design, or alternate strategies.
• Assess allied missile defense systems and determine how to integrate them with U.S. systems for robust joint defense.
• Provide reach-back consulting on key MDS development efforts, supporting Services and Combatant Commanders with strategic guidance and direction.
• Develop technical recommendations through collaboration with FFRDCs, UARCs, and OGAs, ensuring continuous improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to defense architecture evolution strategies through Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) and other high-level assessments.
• Support demonstrations, early milestone reviews, and feasibility assessments to validate architecture assumptions and requirements.
• Prepare briefings, white papers, and technical memorandums for senior leaders, addressing findings and analysis outcomes.

Required:

• Master's degree in a STEM field.
• Minimum of 12+ years of experience supporting missile defense-related or other large, complex DoD programs.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Direct experience with missile defense systems and architectures.
• Ability to operate independently and complete assignments with minimal supervision.

Desired:

• Knowledge of hypersonic weapon systems, their capabilities, and limitations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with emphasis on PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of MDS components, architectures, and operational concepts.
• Familiarity with MDA programs and complex MDS elements.
• Experience working in military operational environments.
• Military background strongly preferred:
  • Navy: Aegis Weapon System EDO or Joint Interface Control Officer.
  • Army/Air Force: Familiarity with elements such as THAAD, LTAMDS, Sentinel, PATRIOT, or GMD.

*Waypoint Human Capital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.