Principal Mission Systems Architect – Taiwan
At a glance
Senior Engineering Leadership role at smxtech. Taipei · $225,000–$250,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Set technical direction for mission software, tactical networks and cloud systems, guiding teams across each system’s lifecycle
- Lead mission app and service development, then oversee code review, secure delivery pipelines and automated testing
- Connect command-and-control and intelligence tools through APIs and data integration, overseeing Kubernetes microservices
- Deploy tactical and coalition networks across radio, satellite and terrestrial links, preserving operations when connectivity is disrupted
- Run hybrid and edge cloud services, manage security accreditation, and lead technical teams in exercises and field operations
What you bring
- At least twelve years across software, network and cloud engineering, including five years on defense or national security missions
- Three years leading teams, plus hands-on work with tactical networks and production workloads in government cloud
- A relevant bachelor’s degree or four additional years of professional experience
- An active U.S. Top Secret clearance or ability to upgrade a Secret clearance, plus a qualifying DoD IAT certification
Who this fits
This senior technical lead role suits someone prepared to guide engineers and advise government and program leaders. You must be willing to live and work in Taipei. The work includes field deployments, exercises and coordination across time zones. The employer does not sponsor employment authorization or immigration support for this position.
From the employer
SMX seeks a Principal Mission Systems Architect to serve as the lead technical authority in Taiwan for mission software, tactical networks, and cloud solutions. This role guides engineering teams, oversees full system lifecycles, and ensures secure, accredited mission capabilities in contested, disconnected environments, working closely with U.S. and partner stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead design and development of mission apps/services (Python, Java, Go, C#); oversee code reviews and DevSecOps pipelines (CI/CD, container security, automated testing).
- Supervise containerized microservices (Kubernetes), API/data integration, and C2/ISR tool connectivity.
- Oversee tactical and coalition network deployment (including mission partner environments), covering SATCOM, radio, MANET, and terrestrial transport for joint/combined ops, ensuring DDIL resilience.
- Ensure routing, switching, firewalls, and cross-domain solutions comply with DISA STIGs.
- Lead technical team during exercises, field deployments, and operations with U.S. and partner forces.
- Direct secure hybrid and edge cloud operations (AWS GovCloud, Azure, Google Cloud at IL4+/IL5+/IL6+), including infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation), monitoring, and cost controls.
- Extend cloud services to tactical edge nodes with support for disconnected ops and data sync.
- Manage RMF packages and ATO processes.
- Supervise and evaluate on-site engineers and act as the senior technical advisor to government and program leaders in Taiwan.
- Prepare technical documents, briefings, and status reports; coordinate risk management and cross-time-zone engineering efforts.
Required Qualifications
- 12+ years’ software, network, and cloud engineering, including 5+ years with DoD/national security missions and 3+ years in leadership.
- Bachelor’s in relevant field or 4 extra years’ professional experience.
- Direct experience with tactical/coalition networks and production workloads in government cloud.
- Active U.S. Top Secret clearance or ability to upgrade Secret clearance.
- DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II+ certification (e.g., Security+ CE), or able to obtain in 6 months.
- Willing to live and work in Taipei, Taiwan.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in technical field.
- INDOPACOM, mission partner, or joint exercise experience.
- Professional cloud (AWS, Azure, Google), networking (CCNP/CCIE), CISSP/CASP+, or Kubernetes (CKA) certifications.
- DevSecOps credentials.
- Mandarin language skills.
#CJPOST
The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
The proposed salary for this position is:$225,000—$250,000 USD
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
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