Design Architect

Job Description
BAE Systems is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Design Architect to support the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) within the Strategic Programs Chief Information Office (SPCIO) branch as a prime contractor on a high-profile national defense program. Position is hybrid with three (3) days per week onsite at the Washington Navy Yard.
This position is ideal for a technically skilled professional with experience in network infrastructure design, facility integration, and Video Teleconferencing (VTC) solutions who enjoys a blend of technical engineering, customer engagement, and project collaboration.
The selected candidate will support the planning, design, and modernization of secure network environments, communication systems, and infrastructure solutions supporting SSP mission requirements. This role requires the ability to coordinate across engineering disciplines, interpret construction documentation, and translate operational requirements into scalable, secure, and compliant technical designs.
In this position you will:

• Develop conceptual architectural and network infrastructure designs, technical drawings, and presentation materials for phase gate reviews.
• Lead design development efforts supporting secure network infrastructure, telecommunications spaces, and facility modernization initiatives.
• Create and maintain detailed network architecture diagrams, rack elevations, cable pathways, equipment layouts, and infrastructure documentation.
• Design secure network data closets, communications rooms, and associated electrical, HVAC, and power requirements to support SSP operational needs.
• Evaluate construction drawings and facility designs to ensure compliance with SSP infrastructure standards and mission requirements.
• Translate network and system designs into detailed equipment lists, bill of materials (BOMs), and technical specifications.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, government stakeholders, and internal project teams throughout all project phases.
• Support design reviews, phase-gate reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer presentations.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend hardware, infrastructure, and communications solutions aligned with mission objectives.
• Provide technical input to project managers supporting infrastructure planning, installation strategies, and modernization efforts.
• Conduct site surveys and assess existing infrastructure conditions to support designs and installation planning.
• Support SSP VTC team with secure Video Teleconferencing (VTC) system designs and ordering of equipment.
• Work with SSP VTC team on codec placement, display integration, microphone/speaker layouts, control systems, and secure communications connectivity.
• Periodically travel to SSP sites to conduct site surveys and installations
• Assist Operations onsite and remotely with the network setup and perform troubleshooting during the installations.
• Work with Operations to create installation plans for phase gate reviews

About BAE Systems and the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP)
Our organization has supported the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) continually since the program's inception in the 1950s. SSP developed the first sea-based, underwater-launched Strategic Weapon System (SWS), a defense system that is truly critical to our national security. For more than six decades, SSP has maintained and upgraded this weapon system and we have been there every step of the way. The sea-based SWS is the ultimate stealthy weapon system and is the first leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. With over 70% of our nation's nuclear arsenal its importance to maintaining world peace cannot be overstated. The development of Columbia, the most advanced nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed submarine ever designed, as well the next D5LE2 weapon system is under way and will begin to be rolled out over the next decade. The Navy projects this system to be operational through 2084, meaning the program will have a total life span of more than 120 years. This is a unique program and BAE Systems employees on this program understand they are part of an important legacy.
As a decades long sole source partner on multiple contracts on behalf of our customer, our program has remarkable stability and is concurrently experiencing significant growth. Combined, these factors provide ample opportunity for professional growth and development for capable and talented individuals on our team.
BAE Systems, Inc. is the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc.
BAE Systems plc provides some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defense, aerospace, and security solutions. As one of the top ten defense contractors, we employ a skilled workforce of around 100,000 people in more than 40 countries. We develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to protect national security and keep people safe.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Position is hybrid with three (3) days per week onsite at the Washington Navy Yard. Onsite schedule includes Wednesdays and two additional flexible onsite days.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Common Access Card (CAC), facility access, and SSP network account privileges.
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Network Engineering, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Systems Engineering, or related discipline with six (6) years of relevant experience; or ten (10) years of directly related professional experience.
• Experience designing secure enterprise network infrastructure and communications environments.
• Experience developing technical drawings, network architecture diagrams, and infrastructure documentation.
• Experience providing a very detailed equipment list from technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of structured cabling systems, telecommunications rooms, power requirements, and facility integration.
• Experience supporting VTC system design.
• Knowledge of enterprise networking technologies including switching, routing, firewalls, VPNs, and secure communications systems.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, technical specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Experience supporting infrastructure modernization and network upgrade initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with government stakeholders, engineers, and contractors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience supporting Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Department of War (DoW), Navy, or other federal government environments.
• Experience with TACLANE devices and secure communications technologies.
• Familiarity with classified network environments and secure facility infrastructure.
• Experience designing conference rooms and secure VTC environments.
• Experience supporting enterprise infrastructure deployments in high-security environments.
• Experience working within cross-functional engineering and operational teams.
• Ability to research, evaluate, and present innovative technical solutions to leadership and customers.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build relationships across teams.
• Creative problem-solving mindset with strong technical design expertise.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.