Enterprise Architect - Earth Science / Satellite Operations

Position Description
ERT is seeking an experienced Enterprise Architect to support the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center to provide high-level scientific and technical expertise. This position may be performed remotely with limited travel to EROS in Sioux Falls, SD. The Enterprise Architect will play a key leadership role in designing, implementing, and maintaining the enterprise IT architecture for the USGS EROS Datacenter. The Enterprise Architect will ensure alignment between the organization’s goals and technological strategies, focusing on scalability, interoperability, and support for satellite data reception, processing, archiving, and distribution systems. This role requires close collaboration with USGS stakeholders, contractors, and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Enterprise Architecture Development:
  
  • Lead the development and maintenance of EROS-wide enterprise architecture frameworks.
  • Establish architectural standards, policies, and procedures for information technology infrastructure, satellite systems, and data management solutions.
  • Develop roadmaps for current and future state architectures to support mission-critical projects.
• Systems Integration and Technology Alignment:
  
  • Ensure integration of cloud computing, storage infrastructure, network systems, and software platforms.
  • Identify and implement solutions for seamless interoperability between EROS systems and ground stations, as well as other federal or international partners.
  • Support systems related to satellite telemetry, data acquisition, processing, archiving, and distribution.
• Project and Program Support:
  
  • Collaborate with program managers and stakeholders to align IT strategy with scientific missions such as remote sensing, hazard early warning, and environmental monitoring.
  • Provide end-to-end technical leadership for large IT projects including development, testing, and deployment.
• Governance and Compliance:
  
  • Ensure all IT systems meet federal requirements, including Section 508 compliance, green acquisitions policies, and cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST and FIPS).
  • Oversee Earned Value Management (EVM) to track and report project performance in alignment with applicable standards.
• Innovation and Future Technology Evaluation:
  
  • Research and recommend emerging technologies, such as AI/ML, advanced satellite imaging tools, and cloud-based platforms, to enhance the EROS mission.
  • Develop prototypes and conduct trade studies to assess technology solutions' potential.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:
  
  • Collaborate with USGS stakeholders, interagency engineers, and other partners to develop interoperable solutions and drive joint technical initiatives.
  • Coordinate with federal agencies, vendors, and third-party contractors to ensure consistent architectural vision.

Required Skills 

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT architecture, systems engineering, or software development.
• Proven experience with enterprise architecture frameworks and methodologies (waterfall, agile).
• Previous experience with federal contracts, particularly in the field of earth science or satellite operations, is a plus.
• Expertise in cloud computing, data management, and enterprise network systems.
• Knowledge of GIS, satellite systems, and remote sensing data processing.
• Strong understanding of NIST cybersecurity frameworks and federal IT governance policies.
• Excellent problem-solving and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to communicate technical solutions effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Participation in regular status meetings and timely submission of reports as required by the contract.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary environments, including interactions with government agencies such as NOAA, NASA, USGS, or the Department of the Interior.
• Ability to travel occasionally to partner sites (e.g., NASA GSFC, Jet Propulsion Lab).

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (green card) and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance. 

Desired

• Knowledge of environmental regulations, land management practices, or climate science.
• Familiarity with machine learning models and artificial intelligence applications in geospatial sciences.
• Experience working with federal agencies or large research organizations.

Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Location
Work may be performed in Sioux Falls, SD or remotely from Greenbelt, MD. The position is eligible for a remote, onsite, or hybrid work schedule. Some domestic travel required.

Salary
The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $293,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT uses several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the position's scope and expected duties, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  

Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance
• Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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