Payload Systems Engineer III

About the role

The Payload Systems Engineer III 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
• Analyzing mission requirements and translating them into technical specifications, system-level requirements, and engineering constraints
• 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 major reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR)
• Developing and maintaining analysis tools across the program execution
• Developing payload block diagrams
• Qualifications & Experience

Responsibilities

• Design advanced communication payloads for satellite systems across all orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO)
• Contribute to the design, analysis, integration, and validation of satellite systems for next-generation missions
• Work across payload design, system performance analysis, assembly, integration and testing, and mission operations
• Support design trades involving payload capacity, system mass, power optimization, spectral resources, and overall mission-level performance
• Analyze mission requirements and translate them into technical specifications, system-level requirements, and engineering constraints
• Optimize the performance of satellite systems by maximizing payload efficiency, minimizing satellite mass and volume, and improving power use and duty cycles
• Build and execute simulations and models to evaluate payload performance under various operating and environmental conditions
• Support Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) activities including test plans, procedures, troubleshooting, performance validation, and verification strategies to validate systems and payload performance
• Engage directly with hardware suppliers and evaluate hardware for payload architecture
• Support major reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR)
• Develop and maintain analysis tools across the program execution
• Develop payload block diagrams

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree
• MSEE in related field desired, but not required
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role
• RFC Communications Engineering/Payload Systems background
• Payload Experience – ideally communication payloads
• Payload Analysis and Budgets: EIRP, G/T, Conversion factors, Signal level budgets, group delay, frequency response and more
• 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
• Experience with requirements development, ConOps definition, and system-level design processes
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex system interactions
• Experience in working in satellite manufacturing environment preferred
• Experienced in 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 & Experience

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