Aviation Security Solutions Architect (Checkpoint Design & Integration)

Job Description

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:

• Partner with airports, airlines, and regulatory authorities to design and configure checkpoint layouts that align with TSA’s base, mid, and full checkpoint configurations.
• Lead operational assessments to evaluate current checkpoint performance and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency, passenger experience, and security outcomes.
• Lead proposal development and solution presentations as an operational subject matter expert, collaborating closely with sales, product, and engineering teams.
• Advise customers on best practices for integrating computed tomography (CT) systems, automated screening lanes (ASLs), and emerging security technologies.
• Participate in design reviews, pilot deployments, and innovation checkpoint initiatives to validate system performance and operational fit.
• Maintain strong awareness of TSA policies, emerging technologies, and airport infrastructure trends to inform customer solutions and product strategy.
• Develop and deliver technical and operational briefings to internal teams and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

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)