Senior Communications Payload Architect

About the Role

Own the end-to-end architecture and technology roadmap for a next-generation broadband satellite communications payload. This strategic individual contributor role works across engineering, business stakeholders, and vendors to mature payload technology and deliver against program commitments.

What You'll Do

• Define and evolve system-level payload architecture, including link and power budgets, and identify opportunities for performance improvement.

• Manage current and prospective equipment vendors, guiding development of RF components suitable for high-volume manufacturing.

• Lead payload research and development planning, aligning technology readiness with customer delivery timelines.

• Identify performance bottlenecks across the RF chain and prioritize work to address system-level risks.

• Define qualification tests, requirements, and milestones to build confidence before constellation manufacturing.

• Lead payload technology tradeoffs, subsystem and vendor selection, and integration across the payload.

What We're Looking For

• 10 or more years of experience in satellite communications payload design and systems architecture.

• Experience owning multiple payload architectures from concept through integration, test, and flight.

• Broad expertise across analog and digital payload systems, including RF hardware, interfaces, and subsystem tradeoffs.

• A bachelor's degree in electrical, RF, or communications engineering; a graduate degree is beneficial.

• Ability to make architecture decisions independently and translate mission or customer needs into system-level tradeoffs.

• Experience with Python, MATLAB, ADS, HFSS, or STK is relevant.

• Eligibility to work on ITAR-controlled programs as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $170,000 to $240,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Location

Remote within the United States. Primary location: Los Angeles, California.