PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation industry to hire a highly experienced Aircraft Subsystems Architect – Engineer IDirect Hire) to shape the next generation of missionized aircraft platforms. If you bring deep expertise in Mission Management Systems, Command & Control communications, and sensor integration — and thrive at the intersection of architecture, certification, and innovation — this is your opportunity to lead from concept through certification.

As the Aircraft Subsystems Architect, you will own the mission systems architecture across the full program lifecycle. From translating high-level customer needs into detailed system requirements to leading design milestones and certification strategies, your decisions will directly influence platform capability, performance, and mission success.

This is a high-visibility technical leadership role, based full onsite in Wichita, KS, with occasional travel.

Job Title: Aircraft Subsystems Architect – Engineer
Location: Wichita, KS (Full Onsite)
Salary Range: $110,000–$130,000 annually (Direct Hire)
Travel: Occasional

• Translate high-level customer requirements into detailed platform and subsystem requirements

• Develop functional requirements and define interfaces for Mission Management Systems and sensing/communication subsystems

• Own and evolve the mission system architecture, including:

  • Roadmap development

  • Trade studies

  • Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

  • Requirements and interface elaboration throughout the lifecycle

• Lead architectural progress through major milestones, including Critical Design Reviews (CDR) and Critical Integration Reviews (CIR)

• Conduct solution trade-off analyses to define optimal product configurations

• Communicate architectural frameworks across multidisciplinary engineering teams

• Define Validation & Verification (V&V) strategies from concept through execution

• Develop supplier specifications and oversee integration of vendor solutions

• Support new business pursuits through white papers and proposals

• Present data-driven observations and recommendations to senior leadership

• Contribute to Digital and Systems Engineering Strategy and implementation initiatives

• Apply Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering

• 10+ years of experience in:

  • Mission Management Systems development

  • Command & Control communications

  • Sensor integration and certification

• Strong knowledge of complex systems development methodologies (e.g., ARP4754, ARP4761)

• Familiarity with NATO STANAG 4671 and 4586

• Solid understanding of aircraft systems and certification processes

• Experience using simulation tools and requirements capture tools

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Strong analytical and holistic problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences

• This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.
  

• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to independently manage complex programs

• Experience with data visualization tools

• Experience contributing to digital engineering transformations

• Familiarity with MOSA framework implementation

At PDS Tech Commercial, you’ll step into a pivotal architecture role supporting advanced aviation programs that demand innovation, rigor, and collaboration.

You’ll benefit from:

• Full onsite collaboration in Wichita — a cornerstone of aviation innovation

• Opportunity to lead