Lead System Architect
Leidos, Eagan, MN, United States
Description
Leidos is seeking a
Lead System Architect
to serve as the top technical authority for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program.Theposition serves as the technical conscience of the program and is accountable for defining, safeguarding, and evolving the system architecture so the solution functions as an integrated, cost-effective whole that satisfies all contract and mission requirements.
TheLead System Architect formulates and owns the top-level architecture across hardware, software, infrastructure topology, data, cybersecurity, and external interfaces. This role partners closely with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to ensure the system delivers what was promised,remainscompliant, and is positioned for modernization, growth, and future mission expansion.
Core Responsibilities
Architecture Ownership & Governance
Define andmaintainthe system architecture baseline (hardware, software, topology, interfaces, data, security)
Approve andadjudicatearchitectural changes
Ensure the implemented solution satisfies all contract technical requirements
Safeguard architectural integrityeven throughcost and schedule pressures
System Solution Formulation
Conceptually formulate integrated system solutions that meet operational needs and user requirements
Define hardware and software design criteria
Identifyappropriate COTS, reuse, and modernization components
Perform trade studies evaluating performance, cost, schedule, risk, reliability, and security
Integration & Interface Definition
Define interface and interconnect specifications, including integration with NAS systemsboth locally and thru SWIM
Ensure system-of-systems integration across FAA environments
Support verification and test planning for requirements and interfaces
Participate in major lifecycle reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.)
Performance, Risk & Technical Stewardship
Plan and execute analyses and modeling to assess performance, availability, reliability, and operational suitability
Identifyarchitectural risks, tradeoffs, and mitigation strategies
Identifyrequired subject matterexpertise, tools, and techniques to meet technical objectives
Act as the technical conscience of the program, ensuring solution quality is not compromised
Technology Roadmap, Modernization & Future Solutioning
Develop andmaintaina forward-looking technology roadmap aligned with FAA strategic objectives
Evaluate emerging technologies and define transition strategies for modernization
Conceptually shape future system enhancements and capability expansions
Support technical solution development for follow-on efforts, contract modifications, and growth opportunities
Collaborate with business development and capture teams to ensure architectural continuity between current program execution and future solutions
Ensure proposed enhancements align with the established architecture baseline and long-term system vision
Engineering Innovation & AI-Enabled Transformation
Define and execute a strategic roadmap for AI-enabled engineering transformation within the program
Lead responsible integration of Generative AI into systems engineering and software development activities
Implement AI-assisted capabilities for:
Requirements analysis and traceability
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) artifacts
Code generation and review
Automated test development
Compliance and documentation automation
Establish governance and guardrails to ensure AI adoption aligns with FAA policies, federal AI directives, and Zero Trust principles
Ensure innovation enhances quality, compliance, and mission effectiveness in a regulated environment
Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with FAA stakeholders, engineers, managers, and users to ensure risks, issues, and solutions are clearly communicated
Partner with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to align technical execution with customer vision
Serve as the senior technical interface for architectural matters
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience
8+ Years of Specialized experience -includes:supervision of system architects, use of structured analysis, design methodologies and design tools, and other design techniques, object- oriented principles, and experience with the logical and physical functional, operation, and technical architecture of large and complex information systems
Direct TFDM experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience serving as senior technical authority on a complex, operational program
Experience formulating and governing large-scale system architectures
Experience with NAS system integrations
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (Rhapsody or Cameo preferred)
Experience designing and evaluating:
Distributed architectures
Containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes)
High-availability systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience serving asSystemArchitect, Software Architect, or Product Architecton an FAA program
Experience supporting technical solutioning for follow-on contracts or program growth
Experience modernizing legacy systems to cloud-native architectures
Experience implementing AI-enabled engineering practices in regulated federal environments
Familiarity with cost estimation
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
March 13, 2026
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 $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com .
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/) .
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
REQNUMBER: R-00178271-OTHLOC-PL-2D0750
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.
Leidos is seeking a
Lead System Architect
to serve as the top technical authority for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program.Theposition serves as the technical conscience of the program and is accountable for defining, safeguarding, and evolving the system architecture so the solution functions as an integrated, cost-effective whole that satisfies all contract and mission requirements.
TheLead System Architect formulates and owns the top-level architecture across hardware, software, infrastructure topology, data, cybersecurity, and external interfaces. This role partners closely with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to ensure the system delivers what was promised,remainscompliant, and is positioned for modernization, growth, and future mission expansion.
Core Responsibilities
Architecture Ownership & Governance
Define andmaintainthe system architecture baseline (hardware, software, topology, interfaces, data, security)
Approve andadjudicatearchitectural changes
Ensure the implemented solution satisfies all contract technical requirements
Safeguard architectural integrityeven throughcost and schedule pressures
System Solution Formulation
Conceptually formulate integrated system solutions that meet operational needs and user requirements
Define hardware and software design criteria
Identifyappropriate COTS, reuse, and modernization components
Perform trade studies evaluating performance, cost, schedule, risk, reliability, and security
Integration & Interface Definition
Define interface and interconnect specifications, including integration with NAS systemsboth locally and thru SWIM
Ensure system-of-systems integration across FAA environments
Support verification and test planning for requirements and interfaces
Participate in major lifecycle reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.)
Performance, Risk & Technical Stewardship
Plan and execute analyses and modeling to assess performance, availability, reliability, and operational suitability
Identifyarchitectural risks, tradeoffs, and mitigation strategies
Identifyrequired subject matterexpertise, tools, and techniques to meet technical objectives
Act as the technical conscience of the program, ensuring solution quality is not compromised
Technology Roadmap, Modernization & Future Solutioning
Develop andmaintaina forward-looking technology roadmap aligned with FAA strategic objectives
Evaluate emerging technologies and define transition strategies for modernization
Conceptually shape future system enhancements and capability expansions
Support technical solution development for follow-on efforts, contract modifications, and growth opportunities
Collaborate with business development and capture teams to ensure architectural continuity between current program execution and future solutions
Ensure proposed enhancements align with the established architecture baseline and long-term system vision
Engineering Innovation & AI-Enabled Transformation
Define and execute a strategic roadmap for AI-enabled engineering transformation within the program
Lead responsible integration of Generative AI into systems engineering and software development activities
Implement AI-assisted capabilities for:
Requirements analysis and traceability
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) artifacts
Code generation and review
Automated test development
Compliance and documentation automation
Establish governance and guardrails to ensure AI adoption aligns with FAA policies, federal AI directives, and Zero Trust principles
Ensure innovation enhances quality, compliance, and mission effectiveness in a regulated environment
Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with FAA stakeholders, engineers, managers, and users to ensure risks, issues, and solutions are clearly communicated
Partner with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to align technical execution with customer vision
Serve as the senior technical interface for architectural matters
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience
8+ Years of Specialized experience -includes:supervision of system architects, use of structured analysis, design methodologies and design tools, and other design techniques, object- oriented principles, and experience with the logical and physical functional, operation, and technical architecture of large and complex information systems
Direct TFDM experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience serving as senior technical authority on a complex, operational program
Experience formulating and governing large-scale system architectures
Experience with NAS system integrations
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (Rhapsody or Cameo preferred)
Experience designing and evaluating:
Distributed architectures
Containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes)
High-availability systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience serving asSystemArchitect, Software Architect, or Product Architecton an FAA program
Experience supporting technical solutioning for follow-on contracts or program growth
Experience modernizing legacy systems to cloud-native architectures
Experience implementing AI-enabled engineering practices in regulated federal environments
Familiarity with cost estimation
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
March 13, 2026
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 $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com .
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/) .
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
REQNUMBER: R-00178271-OTHLOC-PL-2D0750
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.