Mission Architect - Space Communications Systems

About the Role

Define, architect, and optimize next-generation satellite missions by translating customer needs into feasible system architectures. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to inform mission design, evaluate RF communications architectures, perform trade studies on coverage, throughput, and resilience, and influence mission evolution throughout operational lifecycles. Support current and future missions, ensuring operational effectiveness and performance optimization.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer objectives into practical, feasible system architectures for satellite missions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to inform and refine mission design.
• Evaluate RF communications architectures and perform trade studies on coverage, throughput, and resilience.
• Influence mission evolution throughout its operational lifecycle.
• Support current and future missions to ensure operational effectiveness and performance optimization.
• Guide communications decisions and contribute to mission strategies.
• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and technical excellence.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Physics, or Systems Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in satellite communications, mission architecture, or space systems engineering.
• Strong knowledge of RF communications, including RF link budgets and spectrum management.
• Experience with satellite hardware.
• Ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Preferred Skills

• Leadership roles in mission architecture.
• Experience with small satellites or LEO constellations.
• Knowledge of optical communications.
• Experience in satellite operations or security architectures.
• Advanced technical degrees.