Lead - Payload & Communication Systems
Listed on 2026-05-18
-
Engineering
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Systems Engineer
Lead Payload & Communication Systems
US-Based | Satellite Communications | LEO Constellation Programme
A next-generation satellite communications programme is seeking a hands‑on Lead Payload & Communication Systems Engineer to drive payload architecture, RF design decisions, and supplier strategy for a new LEO constellation programme.
This is a highly technical leadership role focused on end‑to‑end communications payload development across Ka/Ku‑band systems, phased‑array technologies, feeder/user links, and next‑generation NTN architecture.
The successful candidate will operate as a senior individual contributor working across payload engineering, antenna systems, RF architecture, link budgets, supplier selection, and payload trade studies from concept through deployment.
Responsibilities- Lead communications payload architecture across feeder links and user links
- Define RF transceiver architecture and payload trade studies
- Drive payload design decisions across beam hopping, phased arrays, regenerative vs transparent payloads, antenna strategy, waveform selection
- Own payload link budget development and RF performance analysis
- Lead payload simulations and validation activities
- Support supplier selection and technical evaluation processes
- Work cross-functionally with satellite systems engineering, launch integration, constellation engineering, ground systems
- Support ITU/EPFD compliance activities across payload design
- 12+ years within satellite payload, RF, or communications systems engineering
- Deep hands‑on RF payload architecture experience
- Strong knowledge of Ka-band and/or Ku-band communications payloads, phased-array systems, antenna design, RF simulations, link budgets
- Experience with payload simulation and modelling tools
- Strong systems‑level understanding across payload integration and satellite constraints
- Experience working with satellite manufacturers, payload suppliers, or LEO programmes
- LEO broadband constellations
- Satcom payload engineering
- Advanced RF systems
- Space and defence communications programmes
- NTN / 5G non‑terrestrial networks
- High‑throughput satellite systems
- Fast‑moving greenfield programme
- Highly technical engineering culture
- Hands‑on individual contributor leadership
- Startup‑style pace with significant long‑term scale
- US‑based with international collaboration
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).