Payload Systems Engineer II

About the role

The Payload Systems Engineer II is responsible for designing advanced payloads for satellite systems across all orbits. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing advanced communication payloads for satellite systems across all orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO)
• Contributing to the design, analysis, integration, and validation of satellite systems for next-generation missions
• Working across payload design, system performance analysis, assembly, integration and testing, and mission operations
• Supporting design trades involving payload capacity, system mass, power optimization, spectral resources, and overall mission-level performance
• Optimizing the performance of satellite systems by maximizing payload efficiency, minimizing satellite mass and volume, and improving power use and duty cycles
• Building and executing simulations and models to evaluate payload performance under various operating and environmental conditions
• Supporting Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) activities including test plans, procedures, troubleshooting, performance validation, and verification strategies to validate systems and payload performance
• Engaging directly with hardware suppliers and evaluating hardware for payload architecture
• Supporting hardware procurement
• Participating in meetings and design reviews
• Responsible for overall communication subsystem
• Developing and maintaining analysis tools across the program execution
• Developing payload block diagrams

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree
• MSEE in related field desired, but not required
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role
• RF Communications Engineering/Payload Systems background
• Payload Experience – ideally communication payloads
• Knowledgeable with payload thermal and power aspects
• Active and passive communication payload hardware knowledge: HPA, LNA, Receivers, MRO, MLO, Converters, Filters, antenna subsystem (reflector based and DRAs)
• Familiar with digital payloads, (digital channelizer with or without beamforming)
• Strong understanding of satellite subsystems, particularly RF payloads, and spacecraft platforms
• Hands-on experience in system modelling, simulation, and performance assessment
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex system interactions
• Experience in working in satellite manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience with digital payloads, (digital channelizer with or without beamforming), and/or regenerative payloads preferred
• Experience with phased/active arrays and optical communication preferred
• Familiarity with digital payloads, phased arrays, and advanced communication system architectures preferred
• Experience with environmental testing, satellite integration, or in-orbit payload testing preferred
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, STK or other scripting languages for simulation, analysis, and tool development preferred

Qualifications

• Must provide proof of US Citizenship or Permanent Residency to comply with ITAR requirements
• Ability to pass a drug screen per Vitesse’s drug testing policy
• Ability to pass a criminal background check per Vitesse’s policy

Benefits

• 3 Weeks of Paid Time Off
• 10 Paid Company Observed Holidays
• Birthday & Anniversary Incentives
• 401K Employer Match
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Company-paid Short & Long-term Disability
• Continuing Education Reimbursement Program
• Generous Referral Program