Senior Space Systems Engineer (LEO Payloads & Sensing)

The world still has coverage blind spots. You could help eliminate them at Skylo.

 

Skylo has pioneered a standards-based approach to satellite connectivity. We connect smartphones and IoT devices directly to satellites. No special hardware, no entirely new networks. Just billions of existing devices, suddenly reachable anywhere on Earth. We're not building toward this future. We're already in it.

 

Our direct-to-device service is live on millions of activated devices across five continents, covering more than 72 million square kilometers, in partnership with leading satellite operators, mobile network operators, Tier-1 chipset makers, and OEMs worldwide. And we're just getting started.

 

At the heart of it all is Skylo's commercial NTN vRAN: a 3GPP standards-based, cloud-native platform that seamlessly bridges terrestrial and satellite networks. It's the infrastructure that makes true anywhere, anytime connectivity possible.

 

When you join Skylo, you'll work at the intersection of three markets reshaping how the world stays connected: mass-market consumer devices, automotive, and industrial IoT. Enabling people outdoors and critical workflows in the world's most remote places.

 

This is a rare chance to work on technology that matters, at a company that's already proving it works

Role Overview

Skylo is seeking an experienced, multi-disciplinary Senior Space Systems Engineer to anchor our LEO satellite payload and systems engineering efforts in Mountain View, CA.

In this role, you will take ownership of the end-to-end systems lifecycle for custom LEO payloads: translating mission objectives and link-budget requirements into flight-ready hardware, developing RF sensing and signal processing algorithms, leading payload-to-bus integration, and executing comprehensive Integration and Test (I&T) campaigns. You will work across technical boundaries—collaborating with RF designers, embedded DSP/FPGA engineers, flight software teams, LEO bus manufacturers, and mission partners to deploy high-reliability flight systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. LEO Space Systems & Payload Engineering

• Lead end-to-end systems engineering for LEO mission payloads, including Concept of Operations (ConOps), requirements flow-down, verification matrices, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).

• Drive critical SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost), thermal, and radiation trade studies tailored to LEO orbital environments and rapid revisit constraints.

• Define and manage electrical, mechanical, RF, and data bus interfaces between the mission payload (SDRs, front-ends, antenna arrays, digital processors) and commercial/bespoke LEO satellite buses.

• Lead formal technical baseline reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and manage payload hardware subcontract deliverables.

2. RF Sensing & Algorithm Development

• Architect, model, and validate advanced RF sensing and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms (e.g., spectrum monitoring, passive/active RF detection, geolocation/TDOA/FDOA, direction finding, and dynamic interference mitigation).

• Develop end-to-end LEO link budgets, Doppler compensation models, and waveform simulations using MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.

• Guide the transition of sensing algorithms into flight-ready implementations targeted for space-qualified FPGAs, SDRs, and embedded processors.

• Characterize and optimize receiver sensitivity, dynamic range, and beamforming performance under dynamic LEO channel conditions and high relative velocities.

3. Integration, Verification, and Testing (I&T)

• Author Master Verification Plans (MVPs), test matrices, and automated test procedures for payload avionics, RF transceivers, and flat-sat testbenches.

• Direct hands-on payload I&T, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations, anechoic chamber antenna measurements, and bus-to-payload integration.

• Plan and support environmental qualification and acceptance campaigns (TVAC, random vibration, shock, EMI/EMC) under relevant space qualification standards (e.g., SMC-S-016, GEVS).

• Support launch-vehicle integration, early on-orbit checkout, payload commissioning, and operational calibration.

Required Qualifications

• Citizenship & Security: U.S. Citizenship is strictly required. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret / Top Secret eligibility).

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.

• Space Systems Experience: 5+ years of direct experience in space systems engineering, satellite payload design, or flight hardware integration focused on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions.

• Algorithm & Signal Processing: Direct experience developing or validating RF sensing algorithms, signal processing pipelines, waveform engineering, or spectrum-monitoring architectures.

• I&T Background: Hands-on proficiency with space hardware Integration and Test (I&T), flat-sat integration, and environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC).

• Tools & Instruments: Strong working knowledge of RF test instrumentation (spectrum/vector signal analyzers, VNAs, high-speed oscilloscopes, signal generators) and automated test scripting (Python, MATLAB).

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret or Top Secret / SCI clearance.

• Prior technical leadership or payload lead experience on smallsat/CubeSat constellations or operational LEO DoD/commercial missions.

• Familiarity with software-defined radios (SDRs), space-qualified FPGA architectures (e.g., Xilinx/AMD UltraScale+), and phased-array/active beamforming antennas.

• Knowledge of 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards or satellite-to-terrestrial cellular interworking.

• Experience utilizing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) frameworks (SysML, Cameo) and requirements management platforms (Jira, Jama, DOORS).

What We offer

With employees working across three continents, Skylo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Our worldwide culture encourages a flexible approach to work, and we offer an attractive range of benefits:

• Competitive compensation packages including a stock option-based equity program

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plan

• Monthly allowances for wellness and education reimbursement

• A generous time-off policy, holidays, and the opportunity to temporarily work abroad

• A once-in-a-career opportunity to operate the world's first commercial, live direct-to-device satellite network

• Access to a world-class team across software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite, and network virtualization

• Open, transparent, inclusive culture that blends Silicon Valley, Nordic, and South Asia characteristics

The estimated base salary range for this role is $150,000 — $160,000. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant training.

In addition to base salary, Skylo offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and equity options.

 EEO Statement

Skylo is an equal-opportunity employer and we celebrate diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, parent or caregiver status, political affiliation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Please let us know if you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability.