Jobs · Engineering · South Dakota

Staff Solutions Architect

The Ed Wallach Search Group · Sioux Falls, SD · 1 mo ago
EngineeringFull-time

The Role

This is a high-impact, front-end engineering role. You will work directly with defense agencies and tactical operators to solve complex mission requirements. You aren’t just selling a platform; you are designing a capability. You’ll be responsible for understanding the threat environment and positioning our technology as a critical layer in the modern kill chain and multi-domain operations.

What You’ll Do

  • Mission Architecting: Collaborate with DoD and government stakeholders to design ISR missions. You’ll define how our balloons integrate into existing sensor architectures to solve gaps in persistence and coverage.
  • Requirements Translation: Turn high-level mission needs (e.g., “over-the-horizon targeting” or “persistent maritime surveillance”) into technical payload specifications and flight profiles.
  • Strategic Defense Positioning: Analyze the defense market to position our platforms against—and alongside—traditional satellites and Group 5 UAS. You’ll help define our value proposition in contested environments.
  • Technical Liaison: Lead technical deep-dives with government program managers, providing the engineering rigor needed to move from pilot programs to Programs of Record.
  • CONOPS Development: Work with users to develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for stratospheric assets in ISR, Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), and tactical communications relay.

What We Are Looking For

  • Systems Thinker: You have an engineering degree and a deep understanding of the ISR lifecycle—from sensor phenomenology (EO/IR, SAR, SIGINT) to data backhaul and processing.
  • Defense Literate: You understand how the government buys and uses technology. You can navigate the nuances of mission sets like Border Security, Air and Missile Defense, or Maritime Domain Awareness.
  • Tactical Problem Solver: You enjoy the challenge of “missionizing” hardware. You can think through power constraints, link budgets, and environmental factors to ensure mission success.
  • The “Plus” Factor (Preferred): You have a background in Government/Defense ISR sales or integration. If you’ve worked with the IC, Combatant Commands, or Tier 1 prime contractors, you’ll have a significant head start.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field preferred
  • The best candidates will have a strong background in commercial data sales, and not just from the technical side – from the market and strategy side
  • 10+ years job experience preferred, with 4+ years as a technical or business leader
  • MBA, PMP, Systems certifications a plus

Travel

Some travel expected (

This role can also be located in Arlington, VA

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