Systems Architect Manager

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Under general direction from team leadership, this position is responsible for defining, governing, and executing information system architectures in various classified environments while leading and developing a team of senior technical professionals. This role balances hands-on architectural authority with people leadership, ensuring technical decisions align with enterprise strategy, security requirements, and long-range organizational objectives.

This position is accountable for architectural outcomes across multiple platforms, operating systems, applications, and classified security environments, as well as the for the performance and growth of the architects and engineers supporting those systems. Erroneous decisions or recommendations would typically result in failure to achieve major organizational objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Architecture & Governance:

• Define, design, and approve enterprise-class information system architectures integrating multiple platforms, operating systems, applications, and security domains.
• Establish and enforce architecture standards, patterns, and guardrails to ensure consistency, scalability, maintainability, and security across the enterprise.
• Determine system specifications, input/output processes, and working parameters for hardware/software compatibility and lifecycle management.
• Coordinate the design and integration of subsystems into cohesive end-to-end solutions.
• Lead architectural reviews, trade studies, and technical risk assessments; make defensible recommendations to senior leadership.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical and programmatic deficiencies impacting system performance, security, or mission outcomes.
• Develop and maintain architecture documentation, roadmaps, and decision artifacts supporting long-term planning.
  
  
  

Technical Leadership & Execution:

• Serve as the senior technical for assigned systems or portfolios, remaining sufficiently hands-on to guide design decisions and troubleshoot complex issues when required.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to architects and senior engineers, ensuring solutions are technically sound and aligned to standards.
• Act as a primary technical interface with external vendors, partners, and customers for architecture-related engagements.
• Support major initiatives and projects as a technical lead, ensuring architecture intent is preserved through implementation.
• Maintain a lab environment representative of our various production environments to allow for the team to conduct testing, training, and standardization.
  
  
  

People & Team Leadership:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of architects and senior technical staff, setting clear expectations for performance, accountability, and technical excellence. Serve as the technical SME and knowledge management focal point for the Classified Computing team.
• Assign and prioritize work based on organizational objectives, technical risk, and resource availability.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, performance feedback, and career development of team members.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth while maintaining high technical standards.
• Contribute input to performance appraisal and workforce planning processes.
  
  
  

Other Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage architecture governance processes and forums.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, security policies, and contractual obligations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive and classified information.
• Perform other duties, as assigned, to achieve the overall goals of the team.
  
  
  

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

Typically requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology or related field and eleven or more year's progressive experience working with Data/Application Integration tools and technologies. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.

9 years of progressive experience in enterprise system architecture, infrastructure design, or systems engineering.

Demonstrated experience leading technical teams or serving in a technical lead / manager-of-architects role.

In-depth knowledge of enterprise architecture principles, methodologies, and best practices.

Broad hands-on experience across infrastructure and operating environments, with sufficient depth to provide technical direction to the team, including:

• Windows/Linux Server
• Windows/Linux Workstation
• Network Architectures (e.g., Cisco IOS-based environments)
• Security-driven system design and integration in classified environments
• Strong ability to design, evaluate, and troubleshoot complex, multi-tiered systems across heterogeneous environments.
• Working knowledge of system security principles, accreditation impacts, and secure system design.
• Proven ability to lead and influence senior technical professionals without relying on title alone.\\
• Strong organizational skills, including planning, prioritization, and coordination of work to meet milestones and delivery objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with executives, engineers, program managers, vendors, and customers.
• In-scope final Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain SAP and SCI access and willingness to complete polygraph, if required.
• DoD 8140-compliant certification, equivalent to IAM Level III, such as CISSP, CISM, or GSLC (or equivalent).
• Ability to work independently while also operating effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. Ability to interface with company leadership and key stakeholders achieve team goals.
  
  
  

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 112,320 - 205,058