Chief Communication 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 Comm 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 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
- Promote future Terran Orbital comm systems capabilities, architectures, and applications within the commercial, international and USG customer base
- Assist BD in informing and shaping opportunities during customer engagements and leading the technical/mission solutions effort for comm systems and payload aspects
- Provide support to BD and Proposal/Capture teams as advisor, reviewer, and content provider for active pursuits
- Understand and identify when/where external strategic partnerships are best applied vs. establishing internal capabilities
- 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
ADDITIONAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Establish methods, applications, toolsets, and implementations
- Integrate comm systems and payload solutions into capture and proposal activities
- Maintain an active engagement with and knowledge of capabilities across the industry landscape
- Evaluate and assess Terran Orbital’s technologies, capabilities, and goals for alignment with new business, mission, and proposal opportunities
- Digest and synthesize solicitations and proposal opportunities in a format and method that can be presented to the executive team and support growth decisions.
- Manage comm systems solution responses to defense, intelligence community, civil, and commercial RFPs and RFIs, including coordinating multidisciplinary and cross-functional team inputs necessary to be compliant with RFP/RFI guidelines and requirements
- Author relevant technical portions of winning bids and proposals through meticulous engineering and cost-estimate product generation
- Develop bases of estimate for costing in collaboration with performing organizations (engineering, operations, etc.)
- Develop and provide tools, templates, and guidance to proposal contributors efficiently and repeatedly
- Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers
- Support Terran Orbital through representation at conferences, trade shows, and industry events
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field plus additional directly 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 comm systems and satellite comm payloads
- Ability to be an individual contributor on technical definition, including:
- Link budgets
- Payload block diagrams
- Payload sizing (size, weight, power, thermal)
- Payload performance budgets (EIRP, G/T, gain/loss, etc.)
- Digital signal processor requirement (channelization, beamforming, demod/remod, packet switching, etc.)
- Antenna performance (reflector, direct radiating array, array fed reflector, etc.)
- Intimate knowledge and connection with key suppliers of RF and 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
- Demonstrated ability to shape customer selection
- 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].