Independent Contractor Architectural Rendering Jobs in Alabama

Overview Golden Dome Opportunities with Astrion LOCATION: Huntsville, AL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI Eligibility CERTIFICATION: Based on the role TRAVEL: As Needed Join Astrion - Shape the Future of National Defense Step into the heart of America's next frontier in homeland defense. The Golden Dome program is a national-level, whole-of-nation initiative advancing cutting-edge space and missile defense capabilities - and Astrion is leading the charge. Be part of the Astrion team powering the Golden Dome of America - where innovation meets purpose, and your work truly matters. If you thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and want to be a part of innovative solutions for the Space-Based Interceptor mission, this is your chance to make a direct impact on the future of deterrence and defense. Astrion has exciting opportunities supporting the Golden Dome Space-Based Interceptor mission. As part of the Golden Dome initiative and the Space Based Interceptor program, you will help design, acquire, integrate, test, and validate the systems that form the backbone of America's next-generation missile defense architecture. This is your chance to apply expertise to programs that directly shape U.S. and allied security in space and across the globe. Required Qualifications / Skills * Education and Experience: * Bachelor's degree with 10+ years' related experience in one or more of the below areas; Master's degree is preferred * Model Based Systems Engineering and Digital Engineering * Systems of Systems Engineering and Integration * Space Ground Command and Control * Fire Control and Engagement Systems Integration * Threat System Engineering * Cyber Test Analyst/Engineering * Department of Defense Technical Acquisition Management * Required Security Clearance: * Must have an active Top Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility Preferred Qualifications / Skills * You love solving hard defense/space problems, and you know how to engineer systems that win * Hands-on experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and modern digital engineering toolsets * Proven ability to drive system integration, test & evaluation, mission assurance, and technical reviews on high-complexity defense systems * Ability to analyze foreign missile threats, capability gaps, and future kill-chain needs - and translate insights into next-gen missile defense architectures * Curiosity and comfort working with AI/ML, advanced analytics, and modern decision-support tech * Experience partnering with engineering teams to define C2, sensor, and targeting system requirements * Strong working knowledge of DoD acquisition, cybersecurity frameworks (RMF/NIST), DISA STIGs, and secure-by-design engineering practices * Background in multi-domain operations, space mission systems, targeting, and kill web / kill chain optimization * Ability to connect space-based ISR and interceptor capabilities with other warfighting domains for rapid threat detection, tracking, targeting, and engagement * Experience assessing and hardening advanced DoD and IC space systems against adversary threats * Ability to evaluate technical baselines, contractor designs, CDRLs, and engineering artifacts for compliance and mission value * Strong analytical mindset to design architectures that increase speed, resiliency, and decision advantage * Understanding of threat systems, counter-space capabilities, space domain awareness, and system risk mitigation strategies * Experience developing countermeasures and resilient system designs for contested, fast-moving operational environments Responsibilities * You'll be part strategist, part hands-on engineer, and part trusted government counselor - building the next era of space-enabled homeland defense. * Drive trade studies, risk assessments, and design improvements across a cutting-edge space defense program * Lead technical working groups, TIMs, and review boards across government and industry partners * Partner with engineering teams to design and integrate spacecraft payloads, C2 systems, ground systems, and communications architectures * Ensure mission-critical designs align with warfighting needs, DoD standards, and national defense priorities * Support key systems engineering functions: requirements, interfaces, risks, verification & validation * Act as a trusted technical advisor to the government for Space-Based Interceptor and Golden Dome efforts * Conduct independent assessments and analysis of alternatives to guide architecture and algorithm decisions * Ensure requirements and contractor approaches stay aligned to mission needs & operational realities * Evaluate contractor architecture proposals, test strategies, integration plans, and risk posture * Enable true system-of-systems integration across sensors, command-and-control, and interceptors for a resilient end-to-end kill chain #cj