Sr. Communications Payload Architect

Our client is seeking a Senior Communications Payload Architect with 7-15 years of experience to lead the end-to-end architecture of a next-generation broadband satellite payload. This strategic individual contributor role offers ownership over payload design, technology roadmap, and system optimization, working closely with leadership, engineering teams, and external partners. It's a unique opportunity to help shape a new broadband SATCOM constellation from the ground up using innovative payload and antenna technology. This is a full-time on-site position in Long Beach, CA.

Responsibilities

• Own the system-level payload architecture — link budgets, power budgets, and forecasting where performance improvements can be achieved as technologies mature.
• Manage the full landscape of existing and potential vendors for payload equipment, directing them to develop new RF components for high-volume manufacturing.
• Lead the R&D program for the payload, forecasting technology readiness against customer delivery timelines so the team can confidently commit to performance levels.
• Identify bottlenecks across the RF chain (transponders, amplifiers, filters, frequency conversion) and prioritize engineering effort to resolve cascading performance risks.
• Define qualification test programs, requirements, and milestones to build confidence in the technology ahead of constellation manufacturing.

Requirements

• 7–15 years of experience in satellite communications payload design and RF systems architecture.
• Owned or architected a broadband satellite comms payload end-to-end.
• BS in Electrical, RF, or Communications Engineering.
• End-to-end analog RF signal chain expertise (amplifiers, filters, frequency conversion, link budgets).
• Drives architecture decisions autonomously across technical and business stakeholders.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• MS in Electrical/RF Engineering.
• Managed R&D roadmap and vendor selection for payload subsystems.
• Experience at Starlink, Astranis, or similar LEO/MEO constellation company.
• Python modeling/simulation for comms system performance.
• LEO broadband constellation architecture and antenna tradeoffs.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary.
• Generous equity participation.
• The opportunity to help build a business from the ground up.