Software Architect Lead

DCS is seeking a motivated, experienced Software Architecture Lead with a strong background in hardware/software interfaces and system integration, coupled with exceptional communication skills to coordinate effectively between government software developers and vehicle platform engineers. This position will support the Product Manager Vehicle Protection Systems (PdM VPS) integration of Active Protection Systems (APS) onto Capability Program Executive (CPE) Ground platforms by overseeing the overall structural design of software that integrates the new Software Acquisition Pathway Program, Vehicle Protection Systems Intelligent Protection and Engagement Response Software (VIPERS), with the existing Modular Active Framework compliant Vehicle Base Kit (VBK). VIPERS will serve as the baseline software for both the VBK and future APS products. The Software Architecture Lead will work alongside PdM VPS’s current VBK Software Lead Engineer to support the expanding APS capabilities for VBK and VIPERS within the PdM VPS office.

Essential Job Functions:

Interface directly with government stakeholders, OEM providers and system matter experts to identify and document system requirements.

Provide guidance and mentorship to development teams, ensuring they follow the established architectural vision.

Assists in the preparation of test planning, observes tests, and analyzes test results to determine adequacy of system and subsystem performance, recommending corrective actions for deficiencies.

Establish and participate in hardware/software design reviews with stakeholders and peers.

Participates in the preparation of program plans, documentation, schedules, budgets, and milestones necessary for the overall planning and execution of the assigned program.

Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and security protocols to minimize technical debt and ensure system reliability.

Focus on critical system attributes such as performance, scalability, availability, and maintainability. 

Reviews and advises on preliminary design studies for new or improved items, components, structures, and major subsystems, as well as engineering changes affecting system characteristics.

Assures that system and sub-system components, structures, software, electronics, vulnerability/survivability elements are compatible with each other and the host platform.

Ensures that necessary engineering trade-offs in the vehicle/system design are beneficial to overall system performance.

Performs and evaluates engineering studies, such as operational and functional characteristics pertaining to assigned systems/ components.

Present project status to government leadership.

This position is at a client site in Warren, Michigan.  Candidates must be willing to perform this role 100% on-site at the client location.

Required Skills:

Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Software Engineering plus a minimum of 8 years of experience with professional software development, often with a track record in leadership or senior engineering positions.

Strong C/C++ Knowledge and experience operating within Linux and Windows and various software development environments.

Project management experience.

Self-starter with the ability to work without direct supervision.  Able to perform tasks independently based on initial guidance.

Ability to work within a team context to both direct and contribute to vehicle system integration and development efforts.

Ability to daily provide high quality support and customer service to the Government customer in a high visibility position.

Excellent technical, written and verbal communication skills.

Strong interpersonal abilities, including ability to tactfully negotiate resolution to competing programmatic demands and requirements.

A strong customer service mentality.

Work with user representatives and formal DoD requirements documents in order to determine the requirements for a system development or integration effort.

Professional demeanor, etiquette and personal presentation suited for a customer-facing role.

Experience in Systems & Software requirements analysis, design, and systems integration pertaining to medium to high complexity hardware/software systems.

Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences

Knowledge of Software Development Engineering Processes.

Ability to travel to various customer and contractor facilities and test centers (estimated approx 10% travel).

Desired Skills:

A background in hardware/software interfaces and system architecture and integration on Army Ground vehicle platforms is a plus.

Job Requirements: