Senior Navy Systems Architect

Ignite Digital has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Navy Systems Architect to support our client engagements within the federal government in Charleston, SC or Washington, DC. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled technical leader with extensive experience in U.S. Navy shipboard systems, communications architectures, and systems engineering, as well as a deep understanding of Navy modernization efforts, C5ISR integration, and mission-critical platform capabilities.

This position serves a critical role in providing technical leadership and architectural guidance for the design, assessment, and modernization of U.S. Navy shipboard systems. The Senior Navy Systems Architect will support the integration of combat systems, C5ISR capabilities, shipboard networks, and advanced communications architectures while ensuring technical consistency, interoperability, and alignment with Navy mission objectives. The successful candidate will provide systems engineering expertise, develop and evaluate technical architectures, and collaborate closely with government stakeholders and engineering teams to shape modernization strategies and enable future operational capabilities. Candidates should be comfortable supporting high-visibility, technically complex programs in a fast-paced environment while serving as a trusted advisor on Navy systems architecture and mission engineering initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the technical strategy development for modernization of system architectures for Navy platforms, ship classes, and fleet-level initiatives.
• Evaluate alignment of technical solutions with Navy modernization roadmaps, including fleet recapitalization strategies and planned capability insertions.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on Navy system-of-systems integration and interoperability across platforms and warfare areas.
• Support engineering trade studies, requirements development, technical baselines, and risk assessments.
• Interface with Navy program offices, warfare centers, PAEs, systems commands, and operational users to validate requirements and ensure architectural compliance.
• Provide authoritative input on emerging technologies, digital engineering approaches, and system modernization pathways.

Required Qualifications
• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance.
• 10+ years of experience supporting the U.S. Navy in a technical, engineering, systems architecture, or communications-centric role.
• Must meet all DoD and Navy requirements for access to classified systems, networks, and facilities.
• Deep understanding of Navy shipboard systems, including:
o Communications suites (RF systems, SATCOM, data links, C4I networks)
o Combat systems and sensors
o Platform systems integration
• Demonstrated expertise with U.S. Navy systems modernization processes, strategies, and roadmaps (e.g., CANES, ADNS, CEC, NIFC-CA, AEGIS modernization, Shipyard availabilities).
• Demonstrated expertise on system integration and upgrade requirements at shipyards and while underway.
• Proven ability to design, assess, and communicate complex system architectures across engineering and operational stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of Navy acquisition processes, fleet operational employment, and system-of-systems engineering.
• Excellent technical writing and briefing skills.

Preferred Qualifications
• Former Navy Systems Officer (e.g., Combat Systems Officer, Communications Officer, Information Warfare Officer, Engineering Duty Officer, Systems Test Officer).
• Experience supporting NAVWAR, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, NIWC, PEO C4I, PEO IWS, or Shipboard Modernization Programs.
• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience with digital engineering (MBSE), architecture frameworks (DoDAF, UAF), and enterprise modeling tools.

Work Location
Location is flexible depending on program or customer requirements. Travel to Navy fleet concentration areas, program offices, and shipyards may be required.

Salary: Salary 175k+ dependent on education and experience