About the position
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Software Architect/Engineer to support the FAA's Broadband NAS Architecture and Terminal Capability Services (BNATCS) initiative. This position plays a critical role in the modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS), contributing to the design, development, and integration of scalable, mission-critical systems that enhance the FAA's operational capabilities and service delivery. This individual will be responsible for the full software lifecycle, from design and development to testing, deployment, and operational support. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in modern software development methodologies, system architecture, and a strong understanding of both legacy and emerging technologies. Additionally, they will have a deep technical knowledge of integrated development environments, DevSecOps, object-oriented programming, and databases, with the ability to manage and lead highly technical teams. Within the broader scope of Software Architecture and Engineering, there exists a specialized sub-discipline centered on Application Engineering. This role places greater emphasis on the application, integration, and configuration of existing software systems to meet specific operational or business needs. In contrast, the Software Architect/Engineer role maintains a wider focus, concentrating on the design and development of new systems built from the ground up.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and architecture of complex, large-scale enterprise systems, ensuring scalability, integration, and robustness across multiple components.
- Oversee and contribute to the entire software development lifecycle, from system design and requirements gathering to testing, deployment, and ongoing support.
- Guide the development of software solutions using modern programming languages, frameworks, and object-oriented principles.
- Develop and implement testing strategies to ensure systems meet performance, security, and reliability standards, integrating continuous testing and quality assurance into the lifecycle.
- Perform requirements analysis, functional decomposition, use case development, and traceability using MBSE approaches.
- Architect and implement data exchange patterns, middleware solutions, and service-oriented workflows.
- Support the definition, design, implementation, and evaluation of SOA-based and microservice-driven systems and APIs for FAA mission-critical applications.
- Translate program requirements into scalable solutions using enterprise messaging frameworks (e.g., JMS Pub/Sub, RESTful APIs, SOAP-based web services).
- Develop and maintain integration specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and service definitions to support system interoperability.
Requirements
- Extensive experience architecting and engineering large-scale, complex enterprise systems or systems of systems.
- Solid knowledge of database structures, integrated development environments (IDEs), and DevSecOps practices.
- Proficiency in modern software development languages (e.g., Java, C++, Python, etc.) and object-oriented programming principles.
- Strong understanding of system design, development, testing, and deployment best practices.
- Strong understanding of architectural patterns and end-to-end system design, particularly for highly scalable, resilient systems.
- Systems engineering for large-scale, mission-critical systems.
- Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and microservices design patterns.
- Enterprise messaging systems (e.g., JMS, Kafka, AMQP, REST APIs, SOAP).
- Requirements engineering and traceability.
- Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) using tools like Cameo or Rhapsody.
- Functional decomposition, use case development, and interface definition.
- System performance analysis and operational modeling.
Nice-to-haves
- Direct experience with FAA systems and technologies, including air traffic control, aviation safety, and flight operations.
- Operational understanding of NAS (National Airspace System) and related functions.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies and innovations that could enhance FAA systems and operations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage highly technical teams, balancing leadership and hands-on technical contributions.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Technical background as a systems or software engineer.
- Proficient in Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), Web Services, HTTP, REST, and SOAP.
- Experience with messaging platforms (ActiveMQ, WebLogic, Solace, Kafka, etc.).
- Familiarity with messaging protocols such as JMS, AMQP, and Solace.
- Working knowledge of XML configurations and APIs.
- Experience with aviation data exchange standards (AIXM, FIXM, WXXM, MMIXM).
- Understanding of FAA JRC processes and FAA SWIM architecture.
- Experience supporting FAA Mission Support or National Airspace System (NAS) programs.
- Exposure to cloud environments such as AWS.
Benefits
- Health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits.
- Paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs.
- Recognition and reward programs for exceptional performance.
- Eligibility for benefit programs for full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week.
