Solutions Architect – Skylo Government Systems

Skylo has pioneered a standards-based approach to satellite connectivity, connecting smartphones and IoT devices directly to satellites. Our direct-to-device service is live on millions of activated devices across five continents, covering more than 72 million square kilometers. At the heart of it all is Skylo's commercial NTN vRAN: a 3GPP standards-based, cloud-native platform bridging terrestrial and satellite networks.

Skylo Government Systems (SGS) is our dedicated defense and national security business unit, tailoring Skylo’s commercial Direct-to-Device (D2D) framework for mission-critical applications across the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), Special Operations Forces (SOF), and allied international partners.

About the role

We are looking for a high-impact Solutions Architect to join Skylo Government Systems. This role sits at the intersection of business development, executive P&L leadership, and core engineering. You will translate complex mission needs—spanning tactical communications, covert operations, and hybrid resilient architectures—into operational capabilities, working alongside defense leaders, international allies, and satellite/cellular architects.

Responsibilities

• Bridge Mission & Engineering: Act as the primary technical interface between SGS Business Development / P&L leadership and Skylo’s core RAN, Core Network, and Hardware engineering teams. Translate mission-level user stories into technical system architectures and engineering product backlogs.
• Architect Hybrid & Resilient Networks: Design end-to-end architectures integrating 3GPP NTN standards (NB-IoT/5G NR) with legacy defense networks, satellite constellations (GEO/MEO/LEO), and tactical cellular edge nodes.
• Support Mission-Critical Use Cases: Create custom solutions for tactical, covert, and low-probability-of-intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications tailored for Special Operations, IC collectors, and warfighters operating in denied environments.
• Apply Advanced Security Architecture: Implement modern encryption techniques (Suite B, CSfC, Zero Trust, quantum-resistant overlay algorithms) to secure payload data across untrusted satellite links and commercial roaming interfaces.
• Lead Technical Capture & Customer Engagements: Own the technical narrative for high-value government proposals, RFI/RFP responses, prototype demonstrations, and field trials across the DoD, IC, Interagency, and international partners.
• Device & Chipset Integration: Advise defense customers on integrating Skylo-enabled modems, commercial smartphones, tactical wearables, and autonomous uncrewed systems into mission platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong foundation in communications theory, digital signal processing (DSP) fundamentals, RF link budgets, and wave propagation.
• Hands-on understanding of mobile devices, chipset integration, and cellular protocol stacks (3GPP 4G/5G, gNodeB/vRAN architectures).
• In-depth knowledge of satellite communications (SATCOM) architectures (GEO, LEO, MSS bands) and satellite payload capabilities.
• Strong understanding of national security use cases, tactical communications systems (e.g., C5ISR, MANET, tactical radios), and covert/expeditionary operational constraints.
• Practical understanding of hybrid networking architectures, government cybersecurity frameworks, modern network security architectures, NSA Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC), end-to-end payload encryption, and VPN/overlay protocols.
• Ability to brief military officers, intelligence leaders, and program managers while maintaining deep credibility with hands-on systems engineers.
• Must be a U.S. citizen eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with 3GPP Release 17/18 NTN standards (NB-NTN, NR-NTN).
• Experience working on Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives, USSOCOM acquisition programs, or space communications modernization.
• Hands-on experience executing field trials, tactical RF measurements, or quick-reaction capability (QRC) prototyping in military environments.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages including a stock option-based equity program.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plan.
• Monthly allowances for wellness and education reimbursement.
• A generous time-off policy, holidays, and the opportunity to temporarily work abroad.
• Access to a world-class team across software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite, and network virtualization.

Pay

The estimated base salary range for this role is $145,000 — $155,000. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant training. In addition to base salary, Skylo offers equity options.