Chief Architect and PLM Strategist - AF-PLM

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Chief Architect and PLM Strategist will serve as the technical and strategic leader responsible for designing, aligning, and delivering the architectural vision of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) enterprise. This role bridges strategy, technology, and mission outcomes, guiding the transformation of lifecycle data and digital thread integration across platforms, programs, and functional domains. The Chief Architect will ensure alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) digital engineering and data-centric acquisition priorities while fostering agile, scalable, and interoperable PLM solutions across acquisition, sustainment, and operational communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Enterprise Architecture Leadership: Develop and maintain the PLM enterprise architecture and ensure alignment with the Data Strategy.

• PLM Strategy Development: Define and drive a comprehensive PLM strategy that enables digital thread, authoritative source of truth (ASOT), and full lifecycle data management across systems and platforms.

• System Integration & Interoperability: Oversee integration strategies that link PLM solutions with enterprise systems and ensure compliance with DoD open system architecture principles.

• Mission Alignment: Translate operational and acquisition needs into PLM system capabilities that support readiness, cost reduction, and modernization objectives.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the principal advisor to senior stakeholders and industry partners. Lead cross-functional collaboration across engineering, acquisition, and sustainment communities.

• Innovation & Thought Leadership: Evaluate emerging technologies such as AI/ML, semantic data models, and digital twin frameworks for future incorporation into the PLM ecosystem. Represent PLM strategy at industry, academic, and DoD forums.

Qualifications

Required:

• Masters degree or bachelors degree with equivalent experience in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

• 15+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, PLM implementation, and digital engineering in a defense context.

• Deep knowledge of DoD acquisition frameworks, MBSE, and PLM platforms (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter).

• Proven experience with enterprise-level digital thread and data governance initiatives.

• Familiarity with mission systems and lifecycle sustainment environments.

Preferred:

• Configuration Management certification (e.g., CMII) or similar.

• Professional PLM platform certifications.

• Program/Project Management or Agile certifications.

• Experience with major DoD/OEM transformation efforts.

• Prior experience supporting large defense acquisition or sustainment organizations.

Clearance Requirement:
Must be eligible for and maintain a DoD Secret clearance or higher.

Minimum Qualifications (General Competencies)

• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; analyzes information skillfully; develops effective solutions.

• Written Communication: Communicates clearly; edits work for accuracy; presents numerical and technical data effectively.

• Ethics: Works with integrity and upholds organizational values.

• Strategic Thinking: Develops strategies aligned to organizational goals; adapts to changing conditions.

• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans effectively; develops realistic action plans.

• Professionalism: Approaches others respectfully; maintains composure under pressure; follows through on commitments.

• Innovation: Displays creativity; generates suggestions for improvement; introduces innovative approaches.

• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical materials; write professional documents; effectively present information.

• Mathematical Skills: Applies mathematical concepts such as ratios, percentages, and proportions to practical situations.

• Reasoning Ability: Defines problems, collects data, establishes facts, and draws sound conclusions.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is typically performed in a professional office environment with exposure to electronic equipment.

• Regularly required to sit, type, and communicate; occasionally required to walk, reach, and handle materials.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.