Parsons is seeking a Platform Integration Architect to lead the design and integration of next-generation platform ecosystems for defense, autonomous, and unmanned systems. In this role, you will architect modular and scalable architectures, standardize interfaces, and oversee sensor and payload integration. You will also advance edge computing and distributed systems, drive communications and RF integration, and apply Model-Based Systems Engineering. You will provide technical leadership, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvements across the platform lifecycle.

Responsibilities

Architect and Integrate Platforms: Lead the design, integration, and evolution of modular, scalable architectures for defense, autonomous, and unmanned systems. Define clear boundaries and integration patterns for hardware, embedded systems, and mission applications.
Standardize Interfaces: Develop and govern interface specifications (ICDs), hardware abstraction layers, and standardized data formats to enable rapid integration of sensors, payloads, and third-party devices.
Lead Sensor & Payload Integration: Oversee integration of EO/IR, LiDAR, RF, navigation, communications, and specialized payloads. Evaluate third-party solutions and ensure seamless onboarding with minimal platform changes.
Advance Edge Computing & Distributed Systems: Architect edge-computing and distributed processing solutions that meet SWaP-C constraints and support resilient, mission-critical operations in challenging environments.
Drive Communications & RF Integration: Design and integrate tactical RF networks, MANET systems, antennas, and telemetry, ensuring compliance with military standards and optimal RF performance.
Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Use MBSE tools and SysML modeling to define, maintain, and communicate system architectures, requirements, and interfaces throughout the platform lifecycle.
Lead Requirements & Verification: Translate mission objectives into technical requirements, maintain traceability, and oversee integration, verification, and validation activities from lab to field.
Provide Technical Leadership: Establish technical baselines, guide multidisciplinary teams, evaluate vendor solutions, and lead trade studies, risk assessments, and lifecycle reviews.
Resolve Issues & Drive Improvements: Lead root cause investigations, apply structured problem-solving, and implement lessons learned to continuously improve platform architectures and integration practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field.
10+ years of progressive engineering experience with complex defense, aerospace, autonomous, or mission-critical systems.
Proven leadership in systems engineering, platform integration, or systems architecture roles.
Experience integrating multi-domain systems (hardware, software, RF, avionics, communications, sensors).
Expertise in:
Platform and system-of-systems architecture
Unmanned/autonomous systems and UAS integration
Advanced weapons, avionics, and mission systems
EO/IR, LiDAR, RF, and advanced sensing technologies
Tactical communications, MANET radios, antennas, and radomes
GPS-contested/denied navigation
Hardware/software interface architecture, ICDs, and abstraction layers
Ethernet, CAN, RS-422/232, PCIe, serial, digital, and analog interfaces
Embedded and edge computing, SWaP-C design
Distributed/disconnected operations
Sensor and payload integration
Requirements development, decomposition, verification, and validation
MBSE, SysML, and modeling tools (Cameo/MagicDraw, Sparx EA)
Requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama)
Engineering analysis (MATLAB or similar)
RF modeling (Ansys HFSS or similar), spectrum/network analyzers
HITL and laboratory integration, flight/field testing
RCCA, fault-tree analysis, and FMEA

Nice to have

Experience with Group 1–3 UAS or similar autonomous platforms.
Integration of autonomous capabilities onto legacy platforms.
Development of reusable architectures for multiple configurations.
RF/IR signature analysis, management, survivability, or LO considerations.
Integration of conformal antennas, radomes, and complex RF systems.
EO/IR targeting and navigation system integration.
Support for systems in contested/denied navigation and communications environments.
Experience with multi-domain autonomous systems (satellite, maritime, air, ground).
Production transition, manufacturing support, and qualification testing.
Evaluation of government, contractor, and supplier technical standards.
Familiarity with government acquisition and engineering lifecycle reviews.