Global Systems Engineering Architect

Role Description

The Global Systems Engineering Architect is responsible for the development, implementation, and governance of a comprehensive Systems Engineering strategy for GDLS. This role defines and drives the standardization of systems engineering tools, processes, and best practices across the enterprise, ensuring alignment with industry standards and customer requirements. The Systems Engineering Architect oversees the integration of systems engineering activities throughout the product lifecycle, including requirements management, system decomposition, interface management, verification and validation, and the management of key system attributes (“-ilities”) such as human factors engineering (HFE), weight management, E3 (electromagnetic effects), reliability, maintainability, and safety.

The Systems Engineering Architect serves as the technical authority for systems engineering, facilitating collaboration across engineering disciplines and global programs. This role champions continuous improvement, innovation, and the adoption of advanced systems engineering methods, ensuring GDLS remains at the forefront of engineering excellence.

Responsibilities

Parts

• n/a

Mentorship and Knowledge Management

• Mentor and train engineering teams globally on systems engineering principles, tools, and methods.
• Lead knowledge-sharing initiatives and communities of practice to disseminate lessons learned and best practices.
• Support the development of knowledge asset strategies within systems like GEARS.

Process and Tools

• Define and govern the global systems engineering strategy, including processes for requirements management, system decomposition, interface control, and verification/validation.
• Standardize the use of systems engineering tools (e.g., CAMEO, DOORS, JACK, etc.) and ensure integration with other enterprise systems.
• Develop and maintain enterprise-wide standards, best practices, and common approach for systems engineering activities.
• Oversee the management and integration of key system attributes (“-ilities”) across all programs, ensuring balanced and compliant system designs.

Key Personality Traits and Expected Behaviors

Success in this role requires the following traits and behaviors, which align with GDLS's Global Engineering Field Manual objectives:

• Global Collaboration: Works effectively across geographic, cultural, and functional boundaries, fostering teamwork and alignment to deliver unified solutions.
• Open and Respectful Communication: Communicates clearly, listens actively, and values diverse perspectives, ensuring mutual understanding and trust.
• Commitment to Excellence: Demonstrates a strong work ethic, invests in continuous improvement, and mentors others to achieve high-quality results while proactively identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Ownership and Accountability: Takes responsibility for decisions and outcomes, demonstrating integrity and reliability in all tasks, while actively driving progress and delivering results.
• Innovative Risk-Taking and Change Leadership: Embraces calculated risks to challenge the status quo, driving meaningful innovation and progress. Proactively leads change by anticipating challenges, identifying opportunities, and inspiring teams to adapt and evolve. Balances long-term goals with immediate priorities, ensuring scalable, secure, and innovative solutions
• Resilient Learning: Reflects on mistakes, shares lessons learned, and applies insights to improve future performance

Required/Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, or other Engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering across the full product lifecycle, with at least 5 years in a global or cross-functional leadership role.
• Deep expertise in systems engineering processes, requirements management, system decomposition, interface management, and verification/validation.
• Strong knowledge of the management and integration of system “-ilities” (e.g., HFE, weight, E3, reliability, maintainability, safety).
• Proven experience standardizing systems engineering practices and tools in a large-scale engineering environment.
• Superior oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills including the ability to engage with both highly technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proven ability to work effectively across borders, sites, and cultures; experience in global organizations is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of trade compliance, export control, and data protection regulations affecting parts management.
• Ability to mentor, train, and lead geographically dispersed teams.
• Proficient with GDLS processes and products
• Ability to travel (10% Domestic / International) and possess/be able to acquire and maintain a valid passport
• Ability to maintain a Security Clearance
• Must be able to meet Anthropometrical Size Requirements for confined space
• Membership in relevant professional associations preferred (e.g., INCOSE, IEEE, SAE).

Updated 2026-04-07