If I wanted to make my own space opera I'd take every aspect of Star Wars and try to go the opposite way, as far as I can.
It will be a shame to have people saying that's a Star Wars rip off (even if your new story is great) only because it has an armored vilain in it.
If you want your vilain to remain unknown I'd say try something else than an armor.
But it's just my 2 cents of course. Do what you feel it's good for your story. :)