Telecommunications Payload Architect – Next-Gen Space Systems

A leading player in the satellite communications industry is seeking a Telecommunications Payload Architect to design and define the next generation of digital satellite payloads. This role is focused on digital signal processing, beamforming, and regenerative payload architectures, supporting a major LEO constellation project set to launch in the next two years.

This isn’t a management position or a high-level mission planning role-it’s a hands-on technical leadership opportunity, where you’ll take ownership of payload system design, ensuring it is optimized for performance and manufacturability. You’ll work closely with electronics, DSP, and system engineering teams, acting as the key technical lead driving the architecture of an advanced telecommunications payload.

The role is based in Switzerland, where the core payload team is located. While much of the architectural groundwork has been established, this hire will play a pivotal role in refining the system and ensuring seamless integration. In addition to the core program, around 20% of your time will be dedicated to bid development, helping to define payload solutions for upcoming government and commercial satellite projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Payload system architecture – Design and optimize digital payloads featuring multibeam, phased array, and beamforming capabilities.
• Digital signal processing (DSP) for space – Work with regenerative payloads, focusing on channelizers, beamformers, and phased array backends.
• End-to-end payload development – Bridge system-level design with hardware and software teams to ensure a functional, manufacturable solution.
• Technical leadership – Drive architectural decisions and trade studies at a payload level rather than a single component level.
• Bid support – Allocate part of your time to defining new payload architectures for future programs, providing quick technical input for proposals.

Your Profile:

• 10+ years of experience in satellite payload design, with a strong background in telecommunications, electronics, or DSP.
• Proven experience working on payloads that have flown in space-we need someone who has seen real flight hardware.
• Deep expertise in digital payloads, particularly beamforming, phased arrays, and regenerative processing.
• Broad technical knowledge-not just deep expertise in a single component, but a system-wide understanding of digital payloads.
• Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to drive technical solutions in a fast-moving environment.

Bonus Points For:

• Exposure to in-orbit payload operations-not essential but beneficial.
• Experience from major satellite primes or specialized space technology companies, particularly in digital payload development.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in a major space program, working on cutting-edge digital payload technology that will shape the future of satellite communications. If you have the right expertise and are ready to take on a high-impact role, let’s connect.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade

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