# Principal Systems Architect - C5ISR > TOMORROW HIRE · Gilbert, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-08-25 **Salary:** USD 180,000–200,000 **Workplace:** on_site **Department:** Information Technology ## Description **Job Title**: Principal Systems Architect - C5ISR **Work Type**: Onsite Primary **Location**: Gilbert, AZ Alternative **Salary**: $180,000–$200,000 **Overview** Our client, a federal contractor supporting U.S. defense and homeland security missions, is seeking a hands-on Principal Systems Architect – C5ISR to lead the architecture, integration, testing, and technical execution of advanced C4ISR/C5ISR, border/perimeter surveillance, and Counter-UAS systems. The ideal candidate will translate customer mission needs into scalable system architectures and top-level designs integrating technologies such as sensors, communications, command-and-control, networking, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and edge computing. This role works closely with engineering teams, customers, Program Managers, Business Development, and external partners from concept through deployment and operational acceptance. **Key Responsibilities** **Systems Architecture & Technical Leadership** - Lead end-to-end system architecture and provide hands-on technical direction across multidisciplinary engineering teams. - Define system components, interfaces, integration requirements, technical standards, and architecture roadmaps. - Evaluate technical tradeoffs related to performance, cost, reliability, scalability, cybersecurity, and deployability. - Provide system-level design guidance as needed. **Systems Engineering & Product Development** - Translate customer and operational requirements into system designs, technical specifications, and traceable engineering requirements. - Guide integrated hardware and software systems from concept through development, production, deployment, and sustainment. - Manage system interfaces, technical dependencies, configuration baselines, and architectural risks. - Apply sound systems-engineering principles across complex, multi-domain, and multi-vendor solutions. **Systems Integration, Verification & Test** - Lead system-level integration, verification, validation, testing, demonstrations, field trials, and customer acceptance activities. - Develop integration and test plans, procedures, verification methods, and acceptance criteria. - Resolve interface, interoperability, performance, and system-level technical issues through hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis. - Support integration laboratories, test ranges, field deployments, and operational demonstrations as required. **Customer & Business Development Support** - Serve as a senior technical authority during customer engagements, demonstrations, technical reviews, proposals, and business development activities. - Translate customer mission needs into executable technical solutions, system concepts, architectures, and technical approaches. - Collaborate with Program Managers, Business Development, engineering teams, customers, subcontractors, and technology partners. - Provide technical input to proposals, solution development, program planning, and customer presentations. ## Requirements **Minimum Qualifications** - Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline. - Minimum of 10 years of experience architecting, developing, integrating, and testing complex defense, aerospace, C4ISR/C5ISR, surveillance, communications, or other mission-critical systems. - Demonstrated experience translating operational and customer mission needs into top-level system architectures and engineering designs. - Demonstrated experience taking integrated hardware/software systems from concept through architecture, development, integration, testing, deployment, and operational acceptance. - Strong understanding of systems engineering, sensors, communications, networking, distributed computing, software architecture, and system integration. - Proven experience integrating multi-vendor and multi-domain systems. - Strong understanding of requirements management, requirements traceability, interface definition, verification, validation, and acceptance testing. - Ability to personally contribute technically while providing architecture, development, integration, and testing leadership. - Must be a US citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. - Must be able to work on-site in either Gilbert, AZ. **Preferred Qualifications** - Experience with C4ISR/C5ISR, border surveillance, perimeter security, ISR, persistent surveillance, Counter-UAS, or related mission systems. - Experience with sensors including radar, EO/IR, and acoustic systems. - Experience with RF systems, sensor fusion, tracking, geospatial systems, AI/ML, computer vision, and automated detection/classification. - Experience with Counter-UAS detection, tracking, identification, and/or defeat systems. - Experience with edge computing, tactical communications, mesh networking, autonomous/unmanned systems, or disconnected and low-bandwidth operational environments. - Experience with command-and-control systems, persistent surveillance hardware, and integrated mission systems. - Experience with system integration laboratories, test ranges, field trials, and operational deployments. - Familiarity with U.S. Department of War, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or other U.S. government mission environments. - Experience with MBSE/SysML and digital engineering. - Experience incorporating cybersecurity into complex system architectures. - Experience with cloud and hybrid-cloud architectures. - Experience working across mechanical, electrical, radar, communications, software, networking, sensor, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and systems engineering disciplines. ## Benefits Compensation for this position is location-dependent and determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, technical expertise, security clearance, skills, geographic location, and the specific requirements of the company’s programs and contracts. Gilbert, AZ: $180,000–$200,000, depending on qualifications and experience. **Benefits** Eligible employees (30+ hours/week) may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month after hire. Offerings include: - Multiple Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options - Prescription coverage with mail-order option - Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Voluntary Insurance - 401(k) with John Hancock (eligible after 6 months) - Health Savings Account (HSA) - Wellness and Employee Discount programs - Paid Time Off (2 weeks), 3 Sick Days (prorated), and Paid Holidays, including Winter Break (Dec 24–31) - Semi-monthly payroll (10th & 25th) ## Apply [Apply at TOMORROW HIRE](https://apply.workable.com/tomorrow-hire/j/C2806C93EC/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)