Satcom Payload Architect

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Working in the Satcom Team

The Satcom Team is responsible for modelling, simulating, and continuously optimising the performance of Open Cosmos’ satellite communication infrastructure. This includes the space segment, inter-satellite links, terminals, and ground connectivity, ensuring our end-to-end systems deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable service under dynamic conditions.

We work with cutting‑edge technologies such as digital twins, autonomous networks, and large‑scale constellation models. The team plays a key role in design validation, mission planning, and performance‑driven engineering decision‑making.

What will you be doing?

As Satcom Payload Architect, you will own the end‑to‑end technical architecture of next‑generation satellite payloads, ensuring that service intent, payload design, and satellite implementation are fully aligned.

• Define the complete payload architecture, with a strong focus on digitally processed, highly flexible, and scalable solutions for LEO constellations.
• Act as the technical bridge between Satcom Solutions (service definition) and Satellite Infrastructure (spacecraft delivery).
• Translate service‑level requirements (throughput, latency, availability) into clear, verifiable technical specifications across all payload subsystems.
• Drive critical SWaP, cost, and risk trade‑offs, maximising performance per kilogram and watt.
• Perform detailed microwave link budgets and cascade analysis, ensuring mission performance under worst‑case operational and thermal conditions.
• Define architectures and requirements for:
  • High‑gain, dynamic beamforming antennas (multi‑beam reflectors or APAAs)
  • RF front‑end chains (LNAs, SSPAs, frequency‑agile converters)
  • Digitally regenerative payload processors supporting multiple waveforms (DVB‑S2X/RCS2, 3GPP NTN)
  • High‑data‑rate inter‑satellite links (optical and/or mmWave RF)
• Architect high‑stability frequency generation and signal conditioning chains to support resilient PNT alternatives to GNSS.
• Define passive spectrum monitoring and geolocation capabilities to detect and localise RFI and jamming.
• Develop the payload Concept of Operations (CONOPS), including autonomous modes, reconfiguration strategies, and failure detection/recovery.
• Work closely with satellite bus teams to ensure payload thermal, mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces are fully aligned.

In this role you will make decisions that directly shape what we build and fly.

What You’ll bring

• Deep understanding of satellite communication payload architectures, particularly for LEO systems.
• Strong systems engineering mindset, including requirements definition, flow‑down and verification.
• In‑depth knowledge of RF and microwave systems, including link budgets, noise figure, linearity and cascade effects.
• Confidence defining antenna systems, RF front ends, onboard processors and inter‑satellite link architectures.
• Solid understanding of digital payloads, including DSP, SDR architectures and high‑speed data conversion.
• Comfort making informed trade‑offs across performance, SWaP, cost and risk.
• Familiarity with satellite communication standards such as DVB‑S2X, DVB‑RCS2 and 3GPP NTN.
• Ability to work across hardware and software boundaries within complex space systems.
• Capability to produce clear, structured and verifiable technical documentation.
• A pragmatic, collaborative approach with a strong sense of accountability.

This role will be based in the UK or Spain.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
• A mission‑driven company making space accessible to help solve real‑world challenges.
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.