Principal Software Architect

Job description

# Principal Software Architect > SciTec · Huntsville, United States · — · Posted 2026-08-28 **Workplace:** on_site **Department:** Missile Defense Solutions ## Description SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and Defense. For the past forty-five plus years, we have supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques to deliver world-class data exploitation capabilities supporting missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance; space domain awareness; and aircraft survivability missions. Important Notice: SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts that require U.S. citizenship for all employees. SciTec cannot sponsor or assume sponsorship of employee work visas of any type. Further, U.S. citizenship is a requirement to obtain and keep a security clearance. Applicants that do not meet these requirement will not be considered. SciTec is seeking a Principal Software Architect to lead the overall software architecture, technical vision, and strategy for an emergent missile defense need. **Responsibilities** - Define and own overall software architecture strategy, principles, and standards for a high-visibility program - Lead the design of a scalable, secure, resilient, and high-performing system - Establish and implement architecture governance, standards, and decision-making processes - Identify and proactively manage technical debt, risks, dependencies, and SLDC concerns - Collaborate and iterate on product roadmaps with other high-level decision makers - Ensure consistent, well maintained clear documentation - Interface with stakeholders at technical exchange meetings and program reviews to explain software architecture and software architecture decisions - Derive and implement into architecture changing customer requirements with short-term and long-term strategies - Selection of appropriate messaging solution for internal and external architecture communication requirements - Collaborate with and mentor staff in making architecture solutions and decisions a reality - Perform other duties as assigned ## Requirements - Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, or a related technical field or equivalent experience - 12+ years of experience developing software systems - 8+ years of experience supporting MOSA system of systems design - 5+ years of experience with Kubernetes - Understands new and advanced software design patterns and anti-patterns. - Understands parallelization techniques (GPUs, FaaS, multiple threads) and knows when to use each - Expertise in message protocols, patterns, and libraries to send events and data between applications - Effective and experienced communicator to both technical and non-technical stakeholders to understand, document, and implement evolving requirements, explain design decisions, and ensure client buy-in - Up to 15% travel as required for business purposes Candidates who have any of the following skills will be preferred: - CKAD Certificate - AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Active Secret DoD clearance **\*Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applications which are generated by AI will not be considered for employment** **Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information** ## Benefits SciTec offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including: - 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match - 100% company paid HSA Medical insurance, with a choice of 2 buy-up options - 80% company paid Dental insurance - 100% company paid Vision insurance - 100% company paid Life insurance - 100% company paid Long-term Disability insurance - Short-term Disability insurance - Annual Profit-Sharing Plan - Discretionary Performance Bonus - Paid Parental Leave - Generous Paid Time Off, including Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Pay The pay range for this position is $175,000 to $216,000 / year. SciTec considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. This is not a guarantee of compensation. SciTec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Vet/Disabled. ## Apply [Apply at SciTec](https://apply.workable.com/scitec/j/9D2744F1BF/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)