Full Job Description
Qwaltec is seeking a Solutions Architect to lead the design and evolution of technical solutions for spacecraft Mission Operations Centers (MOCs), satellite ground systems, and antenna networks. This is a high-visibility role at the intersection of engineering, operations, and business growth: you will architect solutions for current and prospective customers, working closely with Qwaltec's customer-facing and business development teams to shape offerings, respond to solicitations, and win new mission work.
The ideal candidate brings broad experience across the mission lifecycle, including experience as an operator on console, an engineer designing ground systems, a technical lead responsible for architecture integrity, and a contributor to capture and proposal efforts. You understand how MOCs, ground stations, and antenna networks come together to fly spacecraft across orbital regimes and program risk postures, from Class A missions to prototype R&D. Experience with USSF, NASA, and/or NOAA architectures is highly desirable.
This position may be performed remotely within the United States; however, preference will be given to candidates based in or willing to relocate to Phoenix/Tempe, AZ area. Periodic travel to Qwaltec's Tempe headquarters, customer sites, and industry events is expected.
Key Responsibilities:
• Architect end-to-end solutions for spacecraft Mission Operations Centers, command and control (C2) ground systems, and antenna/ground station networks for government and commercial customers
• Translate customer mission operations and ground system requirements into solution architectures that effectively leverage the OrbitCmd powered by Leanspace software platform, products, and integration capabilities.
• Serve as the senior technical voice in customer engagements by leading architecture discussions, technical exchanges, design reviews, and briefings with senior government and industry stakeholders
• Partner with business development and capture teams to qualify opportunities, shape win themes, and develop technical strategies for new and existing customers
• Author and review key technical volumes, white papers, capabilities briefs, and architecture artifacts in support of proposals and solicitation responses
• Develop reference architectures and system designs using industry and DoD frameworks (e.g., DODAF, MOSA) and modern development practices (Agile/DevOps)
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, including AI/ML-enabled tools and automation, into mission operations and ground system solutions
• Guide trade studies, requirements definition, interface analyses, and technical risk assessments for new missions and system upgrades
• Collaborate with Qwaltec program managers, engineers, and mission operators to ensure proposed solutions are executable, affordable, and aligned with company capabilities
• Mentor engineering staff and help mature Qwaltec's technical baseline, architecture standards, and solution development processes
• Represent Qwaltec at industry days, conferences, and networking events (e.g., USSF events, AFCEA, Space Symposium, Ground System Architectures Workshop)
Requirements
• 15+ years of experience in defense and/or civil space programs spanning mission operations, ground systems engineering, and/or satellite command and control
• Demonstrated experience architecting or leading the design of Mission Operations Centers, satellite ground systems, and/or antenna network solutions
• Full lifecycle perspective across spacecraft console operations, ground system design, integration, test, and on-orbit support
• Experience supporting business development, capture, or proposal efforts, including authoring technical content for competitive solicitations
• Working knowledge of architecture frameworks and methodologies such as DODAF and MOSA, and familiarity with Agile/DevOps development environments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; proven ability to engage credibly with senior government customers, acquisition professionals, and technical teams
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and AI-enabled tools and workflows as applied to mission operations, engineering, and business development
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (candidates must be clearable)
• Willingness to travel periodically to customer sites, industry events, and Qwaltec's Tempe, AZ headquarters
Preferred Qualifications:
• Active Top Secret (TS) or TS/SCI clearance strongly preferred
• Direct experience with USSF, NASA, and/or NOAA mission and ground architectures (e.g., SSC, Space Deltas, NASA mission operations, NOAA satellite ground enterprise)
• Experience across multiple orbital regimes (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO/cislunar) and program risk classes, from Class A missions to prototype and R&D efforts
• Prior roles as chief engineer, program manager, or capture manager on space or ground system programs
• Track record of authoring winning technical volumes for large ($100M+) solicitation responses
• Experience with RF/antenna systems, telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C), and ground station operations and maintenance
• Formal training or certification in AI/ML, program management (PMP), or Agile methodologies (e.g., SAFe)
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or a related technical field (advanced degree a plus, or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Compensation and Benefits:
• Salary commensurate with experience, location, and clearance status
• Competitive benefits package
• Professional development support and training budget
• Opportunity to shape the technical direction of a mission-driven, women-owned small business at the forefront of space operations
