Chief Digital Payload Systems Engineer
Description
SUMMARY:
Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.
Terran Orbital is seeking a motivated and experienced technical leader and space domain expert at one of our U.S. office locations. As a member of our Advanced Systems Team, the Chief RF Systems Engineer will work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), business development, growth operations, engineers, and program personnel to formulate, architect, and coordinate the establishment of baseline technical solutions for active and planned pursuits within the space mission pipeline. This position will lead the application of Terran Orbital’s space-based platforms, payloads, ground systems, on-orbit operations capabilities, technical capabilities and internal product growth towards new business opportunities, focusing on digital aspects of communications systems and payloads.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work within the Advanced Systems Team to support and integrate across the Business Development (BD), Growth Operations, and Engineering Execution Teams to formulate winning technical baseline solutions for Terran Orbital Prime bid opportunities
- Provide support to the Mission Solutions Team to identify, formulate and orchestrate technical baseline comm systems solutions to commercial, international, and US Government (USG) customer sets
- Assist BD in informing and shaping opportunities during customer engagements and leading the technical/mission solutions effort for digital comm systems and payload aspects
- Provide support to BD and Proposal/Capture teams as advisor, reviewer, and content provider for active pursuits
- Establish, regularly maintain and assess Terran Orbital technology/mission roadmaps for comm systems across the Advanced Systems Team, Growth Operations, BD, EMT, and senior management for awareness and continuity
- Assess end-to-end mission needs/gaps of customers and advance Terran Orbital capabilities to deliver novel solutions and win business
- Engage with potential industry and customer partners to understand their current/future capabilities to enable collaboration in delivering customer comm systems solutions.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the current and future space-related comm systems requirements across all customer bases
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field plus additional relevant work experience is required; advanced degree a plus with nominal work experience.
- 15+ years of experience in a technical and business development roles in space-related fields, with an emphasis on digital comm systems and satellite comm payloads with digital signal processors
- Hands-on experience with telecom satellite payload digital hardware
- Ability to be an individual contributor on technical definition, including:
- ADC and DAC requirements
- Processor sizing and FPGA/ASIC performance requirements
- Firmware
- Algorithms for channelization and beamforming
- Efficient implementation of demodulators and modulators
- Definition of required RF interfaces (signal levels, etc.)
- Processor block diagrams
- Processor sizing (size, weight, power, thermal)
- Digital hardware specification definition
- Intimate knowledge and connection with key suppliers of digital payload hardware
- Knowledge of legacy customer architectures at deep technical level
DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:
- Understanding of all business development, capture, proposal, and program management competencies and practices
- Experience with customer relationship management tools
- Understanding of customer solicitation and source selection process
- Professional certifications in engineering, related technical disciplines, or management
- Experience building, leading, and maintaining a team to design and accomplish objectives effectively and efficiently
- Experience leading, coordinating, and contributing technical and cost volumes for large aerospace proposals
Benefits
- 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- Employee Equity Incentive Program
- 401(k) Match
- Unlimited PTO
Salary Range $200,000-$300,000
Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer equity for each employee, 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This is largely a sedentary role with heavy computer usage. The position may require the incumbent to move files, open filing cabinets, and bend/stand as necessary. Moderate CONUS travel may be required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job operates in a professional office environment, including Secure Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs). This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, virtual collaboration tools, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
DISCLAIMERS
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.
Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].