Mission Architect, Remote Sensing (OPIR) Missile warning and remote sensing missions only succeed when someone can connect sensor physics, spacecraft design and mission level performance into one coherent architecture, and that person carries real weight for national security outcomes. Our partner is looking for an OPIR subject matter expert to take ownership of mission architecture and constellation design across multiple programmes, leading both the technical solution and the team and business development activity behind it. If you have deep remote sensing and OPIR experience, can lead a team while also shaping new proposals, and want genuine influence over the missions you help build, this is one of the most significant positions we are currently representing.
The role:
You will serve as the technical authority for Remote Sensing space segment design, covering spacecraft and constellation architecture through to integration with ground and user segments. Around half of your time will be spent working directly with customers and stakeholders, with the remainder spent leading a team of 7 to 10 engineers across architecture, modelling and analysis. You will own mission level budgets and key performance parameters, including line of sight knowledge, jitter, optical transmission and latency, and will develop the modelling and simulation tools used to validate system performance against them. You will also play a leading role in shaping new business, writing proposals, defining requirements and supporting programmes through to on orbit operations.
What you'll need:
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences or computer science with 14 or more years of related experience, or a Master's degree with 12 or more years, or an equivalent combination10 or more years of experience in the design, development, delivery and operation of space based remote sensing missionsExperience with earth observing EO/IR missions, including sensor design and performance Expertise developing mission modelling and simulation tools to assess sensing mission performance Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and contribute to proposal development and new businessUS Citizenship with an active Secret clearance (active within the last 24 months) What sets candidates apart20 or more years of experience in the design, development, delivery and operation of space based OPIR missionsExperience leading multidisciplinary technical teams of comparable size Experience across the missile warning, tracking and defense mission, spanning air, ground, space and user domains Experience modelling constellation level performance Active TS/SCI clearance This is a senior, highly visible position with real scope for growth within the organisation. Our partner operates in a fast paced, agile environment that feels closer to a startup than a traditional prime, and candidates who thrive here are comfortable with ambiguity, hands on by instinct and motivated to act as thought leaders in their domain. Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Adam Slade
