Chief Architect

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Our team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration, believing we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

About the Role

The Chief Architect will provide technical vision and architectural leadership to a major program or programs, ensuring strategic design excellence and technical feasibility. This role defines and maintains the technical architecture and standards across programs, establishing the foundational design that guides all engineering execution. Responsibilities include leading high-level system architecture decisions, developing long-term technology roadmaps, and determining solutions that best meet mission needs. The Chief Architect acts as a senior leader within the program team, providing expert architectural direction on complex multidisciplinary systems and exploring the art of the possible.

Responsibilities

• Provide architectural leadership and strategic technical vision to major programs, defining the overall system architecture and technical standards that govern program execution.
• Establish architectural frameworks and design principles, making high-level decisions on system structure, technology selection, and integration approaches that address mission needs.
• Develop and maintain long-term technology roadmaps, identifying emerging technologies and innovative solutions that position programs for future success.
• Work at the beginning of the program lifecycle to ensure designs are feasible, conducting architectural trade studies and evaluating technical feasibility.
• Serve as an advisor across all programs, providing architectural consultation and solving challenging design problems that span multiple initiatives.
• Drive architectural innovation and standardization, establishing reusable design patterns and common technical approaches that enhance efficiency.
• Take an active role in program milestone meetings and early-phase proposals, partnering with leadership to shape technical strategies and define architectural baselines.
• Embody the company's culture and leadership values, acting as a catalyst for change by building architectural strategies that explore the art of the possible.
• Translate technical vision into coherent architectures, making final decisions on architectural approaches and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Uphold and model company values, holding others accountable while interacting with internal and external executive-level management.
• Drive innovation in architectural practices, stay current with emerging technologies, and contribute to technical strategies and roadmaps.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +14 years experience).
• Typically requires 16+ years of related experience.
• An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.
• Deep systems architecture expertise with demonstrated ability to define and lead technical architecture across complex programs.
• Experience leading architectural design for significant projects, making high-level design decisions, and establishing technical standards.
• Demonstrated use of first principles and architectural thinking to evaluate design alternatives and define optimal system architectures.
• Experience acting as a technical architect and strategic advisor, providing expert guidance on system design and feasibility.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate technical vision to diverse audiences.
• In-depth knowledge of industry standards, architectural frameworks, design patterns, and best practices in systems architecture.
• Able to build architectural strategy and identify steps needed to execute it across programs.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in engineering, aerospace, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in the aerospace industry or a closely related field, with a proven track record of successful architectural leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation within architectural practices and define cutting-edge system architectures.
• Exceptional leadership abilities with a capacity to influence, inspire, and drive change within technical teams.
• Experience in architectural governance, including planning, definition, and oversight of large-scale system architectures.
• Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to develop and implement long-term architectural strategies.
• Proven ability to work effectively with executive-level management and present complex technical vision to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and technology partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functions such as engineering, operations, and business development.
• Commitment to continuous innovation and a proactive approach to identifying architectural patterns and best practices.
• History of technical publications, patents, or industry presentations demonstrating thought leadership in system architecture.
• Relevant professional certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or enterprise architecture certifications (e.g., TOGAF).

Pay

Pay Range: $198,936.00 - $273,537.00. Your actual base compensation will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, internal equity, and market competitiveness.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• 3 weeks paid time off.