Lead MBSE Systems Architect

Who we are

Helsing is a defence AI company. Our mission is to protect our democracies. We aim to achieve technological leadership, so that open societies can continue to make sovereign decisions and control their ethical standards. 

As democracies, we believe we have a special responsibility to be thoughtful about the development and deployment of powerful technologies like AI. We take this responsibility seriously. 

We are an ambitious and committed team of engineers, AI specialists and customer-facing programme managers. We are looking for mission-driven people to join our European teams – and apply their skills to solve the most complex and impactful problems. We embrace an open and transparent culture that welcomes healthy debates on the use of technology in defence, its benefits, and its ethical implications. 

The role

As a Lead MBSE Systems Architect in our Chief Engineering team, you will be instrumental in defining, developing, and evolving the architectural backbone of aviation defence products through Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies.

You will be a key driver in aligning technical vision across internal teams and external industry partners, ensuring our architectures are robust, verifiable, and optimised for performance, safety, and certification. This is a hands-on technical leadership role that combines deep architectural understanding with a passion for systems modelling and collaborative innovation within the defence aviation domain.

The day-to-day

MBSE Leadership & Execution:

• Lead the development, maintenance, and evolution of comprehensive system models for complex hardware/software aviation products using MBSE methodologies (SysML, UPDM/NAF)

• Define and enforce modelling standards, guidelines, and best practices across the Chief Engineering Team and for collaborative engagement with industry partners

• Drive the adoption and maturation of MBSE within the organisation, serving as a subject matter expert and mentor

Architecture Definition & Alignment:

• Proactively drive the definition, refinement, and alignment of system architectures across multiple engineering disciplines (hardware, software, mechanical, safety, security)

• Advocate for optimal architectural solutions, challenging assumptions and fostering innovative approaches to meet demanding defence requirements

• Translate stakeholder needs, operational concepts, and functional requirements into robust, verifiable system architectures

Collaboration & Partner Engagement:

• Act as a primary technical interface for MBSE and architecture with our industry partners, fostering seamless collaboration and integration of models and architectural views

• Facilitate joint architectural workshops, model reviews, and technical discussions with partner organisations to ensure alignment and consistency

• Ensure effective model exchange and interoperability between internal and partner toolsets

Documentation & Communication:

• Generate, maintain, and present architectural views in accordance with the NATO Architecture Framework (NAFv4) and other relevant defence architectural frameworks

• Communicate complex architectural concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, engineering teams, industry partners, and customers

• Actively participate in customer reviews, technical discussions, and design reviews, effectively representing our architectural vision and decisions

Standards & Compliance:

• Ensure all architectural designs and models comply with relevant aviation defence standards (e.g., ARP4754A, DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, DEF STANs, MIL-STD)

• Actively participate in industry standardisation bodies and working groups, influencing future standards and ensuring our architectures are forward-compatible

Tooling & Process Improvement:

• Evaluate, recommend, and implement MBSE tools and associated processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Chief Engineering team's systems engineering processes and methodologies

You should apply if you

• live and breathe Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and thrive on defining and evolving the architecture of highly complex hardware/software systems

• are a Master of Systems Modelling Language and proficient in applying NAFv4 to real-world defence aviation challenges

• excel at fostering collaboration across diverse internal and external teams, adept at advocating for your architectural vision and building consensus

• are a proactive technical leader who enjoys challenging the status quo, driving alignment, and solving intricate problems within critical defence programs.

• are passionate about shaping the future of defence aviation platforms and are driven by the opportunity to make a tangible, high-impact contribution

• possess exceptional communication skills, capable of translating complex technical architectures into clear, compelling narratives for customers, partners, and senior stakeholders

• understand and appreciate the criticality of defence aviation standards and compliance, and are eager to influence industry best practices and standardization efforts

• are fluent in German and English

Note: We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points.

Nice to Have

• Software Architecture & Development: A background in software development or a strong understanding of software architecture design principles, software engineering best practices, and the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) within complex embedded or real-time systems

• Other Architectural Frameworks: Experience with or exposure to other architectural frameworks such as TOGAF, DoDAF, or MODAF, and an understanding of how they relate to NAF

• Toolchain Integration: Practical experience integrating MBSE tools with other engineering lifecycle tools (e.g., requirements management, configuration management, PLM/ALM systems)

• Advanced Modelling: Knowledge of or experience with specialised modelling formalisms beyond SysML, such as AADL (Architecture Analysis & Design Language) for real-time embedded systems, or model-based development using Simulink/Stateflow

• Agile/DevSecOps Context: Experience working within Agile, DevOps, or DevSecOps environments, particularly how systems engineering and MBSE can be effectively integrated into such workflows

• Formal Methods & Analysis: Familiarity with formal methods, model checking, or other advanced analysis techniques for system verification and validation

• Technical Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers or technical team members in MBSE methodologies and architectural design

Join Helsing and work with world-leading experts in their fields 

• Helsing's work is important. You'll be directly contributing to the protection of democratic countries while balancing both ethical and geopolitical concerns

• The work is unique. We operate in a domain that has highly unusual technical requirements and constraints, and where robustness, safety, and ethical considerations are vital. You will face unique Engineering and AI challenges that make a meaningful impact in the world

• Our work frequently takes us right up to the state of the art in technical innovation, be it reinforcement learning, distributed systems, generative AI, or deployment infrastructure. The defence industry is entering the most exciting phase of the technological development curve. Advances in our field of world are not incremental: Helsing is part of, and often leading, historic leaps forward

• In our domain, success is a matter of order-of-magnitude improvements and novel capabilities. This means we take bets, aim high, and focus on big opportunities. Despite being a relatively young company, Helsing has already been selected for multiple significant government contracts

• We actively encourage healthy, proactive, and diverse debate internally about what we do and how we choose to do it. Teams and individual engineers are trusted (and encouraged) to practise responsible autonomy and critical thinking, and to focus on outcomes, not conformity. At Helsing you will have a say in how we (and you) work, the opportunity to engage on what does and doesn't work, and to take ownership of aspects of our culture that you care deeply about

What we offer

• A focus on outcomes, not time-tracking

• Competitive compensation and stock options

• Relocation support

• Social and education allowances

• Regular company events and all-hands to bring together employees as one team across Europe

Helsing is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation.

 
Helsing's Candidate Privacy and Confidentiality Regime can be found here. 

---