Chief Space Mission Architect – D2D Communications

Skylo

. Architect an advanced Direct-to-Device communications mission, including constellation geometry, coverage strategies, link budgets, and system performance allocations .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeMountain View • California • United StatesLead💰 $255,000 - $270,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in space mission architecture and systems engineering, particularly for LEO communications constellations, with strong capabilities in mission-level requirements management, modeling, and integration of advanced communications payloads.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Space Mission ArchitectureLEO Communications ConstellationsMission-Level Requirements ManagementCommunications Payload DevelopmentSystem-Level Modeling and Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Space Systems EngineeringLink BudgetsConstellation CoveragePerformance SimulationsSpacecraft DesignManufacturingAdvanced Communications SystemsCapacity ModelingEnd-to-End Mission Performance ModelingInter-Satellite Links

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsAbility to Thrive in Ambiguous EnvironmentsDecision-Making with Imperfect InformationMentoring Engineers

Tools & Technologies

AI ToolsSimulation SoftwareEnvironmental Testing ToolsTroubleshooting Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Electrical EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in PhysicsTS-Level Clearance

Industry Keywords

Direct-to-Device CommunicationsConstellation GeometryCONOPSOrbit DesignLaunch StrategySpectrum UseGround SystemsNetwork DesignGovernment Customer EngagementsCommercial Customer Engagements

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Architect an advanced Direct-to-Device communications mission, including constellation geometry, coverage strategies, link budgets, and system performance allocations
Define and maintain mission-level requirements, CONOPS, and interfaces across space, ground, and user segments
Lead constellation-level trade studies covering orbit design, platform selection, launch strategy, inter-satellite links, and spectrum use
Drive architecture, requirements, and integration for advanced communications payloads and associated processing
Collaborate with spacecraft design and manufacturing teams to support mission, payload, and production needs
Own end-to-end mission performance modeling and simulation, including link analysis, capacity modeling, and coverage simulations
Partner with ground systems, network, and product teams to translate service requirements into system-level design and test criteria
Support system integration, environmental testing, on-orbit validation, troubleshooting, and constellation-level root-cause analysis
Contribute to technical roadmaps, proposals, and government and commercial customer engagements
Mentor engineers and establish mission and systems engineering best practices

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience in space mission architecture or space systems engineering, with a focus on LEO communications constellations or similar complex space systems
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field; advanced degree preferred or equivalent experience
Hands-on experience in spacecraft design and manufacturing, preferably with small satellites or LEO platforms
Direct experience with communications payload development and/or integration, including cellular, broadband, RF, SDR, or similar advanced communications systems
Strong skills in mission and system-level modeling and analysis, including link budgets, constellation coverage, and performance simulations
Demonstrated ability to define and manage mission-level requirements, CONOPS, and interface control across multi-disciplinary teams
Ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and drive decisions with imperfect information
Excellent communication skills across hardware, software, product, and business stakeholders
Active daily use of AI tools and ability to rapidly incorporate new tools into workflow
U.S. person (citizen or permanent resident) required due to export control and government customer requirements
Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a TS-level clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation packages including a stock option based equity program
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan
Monthly allowances for wellness and education reimbursement
A generous time off policy and holidays
Opportunity to temporarily work abroad
Once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of developing and running world’s first commercial, live direct-to-device satellite network and service
Access to world-class team and talent across tech domains: software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite and network virtualization
Open, transparent, inclusive culture