Head of Payload Engineering

Join to apply for the Head of Payload Engineering role at Ascend Arc

$/yr - $/yr

Join our growing team and be a part of revolutionizing the satellite communications industry. Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early leader of our Payload team as the Head of Payload Engineering developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Lead the design, qualification, manufacturing and delivery of a high throughput satellite payload. Assemble a team of experts and provide guidance and mentoring.

Lead trades and make fundamental decisions about the payload design. Take responsibility for overall payload hardware, software and performance deliverables. Collaborate across teams, following best practices and procedures.

Ascend Arc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground‑breaking and fast‑paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.

• Leadership of a payload design team
• Responsibility for overall performance, schedule and cost of the payload
• The ability to run system level trades and make key design decisions
• Help set up payload manufacturing and delivery
• Work closely with mechanical and bus systems peers
• Recruit key skills and foster a collaborative work environment

• Deep knowledge of communications satellite payload design and operations
• Knowledge and/or experience with:
• Coverage analysis
• Microwave antennas and feeds
• FCC and ITU regulations
• Qualification of space flight hardware
• Electronics and payload manufacturing
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, science, math or a related field
• At least 10+ years of experience with satellite payload design
• Interest and ability to work in a fast‑paced, startup environment
• Strong written and interpersonal skills

The base salary range for this position is $,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.

Due to U.S. export control regulations, this position is only open to “U.S. persons.” That means you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have refugee/asylee status. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants on temporary work visas (such as H-1B, TN, O‑1, etc.) for this role.

Ascend Arc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor or legally protected status.

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)

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