Solutions Architect

As a Solutions Architect, you will lead the design and delivery of innovative aviation security solutions by partnering with TSA, airports, and airlines. The Solutions Architect will combine technical expertise, customer engagement, and business development support to enhance aviation security operations, ensure compliance with federal requirements, and advance the company’s strategic growth in the aviation security market.

Essential functions - Job duties to include but are not limited to:

• Lead solution design and architecture for aviation security technologies across checkpoint, checked baggage, and remote systems.
• Collaborate with customers (airport authorities, airlines, TSA airport leadership) to understand operational requirements and translate them into tailored technical solutions
• Lead business development and capture strategies focused on checkpoint and checked baggage technology opportunities, including third-party gifting initiatives.
• Serve as the voice of the customer, shaping technical solutions to align with TSA requirements and influence procurement actions.
• Act as a technical liaison between customers and internal engineering teams, supporting early solution shaping, white paper development, and proposal submissions.
• Represent the company in engagements with Federal Security Directors (FSDs), Assistant FSDs (AFSDs), airport authorities, and airline partners to advance business objectives.
• Collaborate across departments to drive initiatives in open architecture, remote screening solutions, and detection system integration at checkpoints and in baggage areas.
• Provide input and strategic guidance on pilot programs, ensuring alignment with customer mission needs and future roadmap.
• Represent the company at tradeshows, industry events, stakeholder meetings, and TSA-hosted industry days to promote solutions and strengthen relationships.
• Partner with capture managers and proposal teams to lead RFP responses and manage proposal submissions.

Experience:

• Prior experience as a TSA Federal Security Director (FSD), Assistant FSD, or senior-level executive in airport/airline security or innovation leadership, with direct responsibility for aviation security operations and technology deployment.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of TSA technology qualification processes and aviation security equipment procurement methods.
• Expertise in Open Architecture and Remote Screening for aviation security systems.
• Deep knowledge of TSA screening operations, technology integration, and airport security protocols.
• Familiarity with BAA, OTA, and IDIQ procurement processes.
• Technical background in engineering, computer science, or security technologies (preferred).
• Proven ability to lead business development and capture efforts within federal or aviation security markets.
• Demonstrated success in developing tailored technical solutions and influencing customer requirements.
• Strong capability in proposal development, including white papers, RFP responses, and solution shaping.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior government officials, airport authorities, and airline partners.
• Strong collaboration skills, with experience working across technical, business development, and proposal teams.

Abilities:

• Build and maintain relationships with airport CIOs/CTOs, airlines, TSA (as needed), and other key stakeholders.
• Represent the organization effectively at industry events, TSA-hosted forums, and stakeholder meetings.
• Influence TSA pilot programs and roadmap development to align with customer mission needs.
• Translate complex customer requirements into actionable technical guidance for engineering teams.
• Operate effectively in a federal security and aviation environment

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Employment Opportunity PostersIf you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email hr-1@smiths-detection.com.

The compensation for this position ranges from $115,836 - $173,754yr (depending on experience and qualifications); will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills, job-related knowledge, and experience. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions. Smiths Detection provides comprehensive benefits including healthcare, 401K savings plan, company holidays, vacation, sick time, parental leave and an employee assistance program. Eligibility requirements apply.

If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail stat@smiths.com or call toll-free 877-703-1029. This email and phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Smiths Detection, Inc. participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

#SDNA

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.