Sr Principal Systems Engineer (Communication Systems Architect) - Terran Orbital

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 an experienced Sr Principal Systems Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the VP of RF Systems & Payloads the Sr Principal Systems Engineer will act as a subject matter expert in spacecraft communications systems architecture and design. This position will play a key leadership role in the development of next-generation communication systems for innovative small satellite constellations. The Sr Principal Systems Engineer will also support the maturation and execution of the technical roadmap for spacecraft and payload products, including internal and customer-funded development activities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• This position will be responsible for technical ownership of a system or subsystem and remain engaged throughout its lifecycle from concept through design, manufacturing, test, verification, calibration, and commissioning.
• Working customers to define system requirements and coordinate all technical aspects of the mission.
• Developing system architectures that efficiently satisfy customer and internal requirements
• Performing system trade studies and analyses to balance performance, risk, and cost.
• Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop optimal solutions to complex problems
• Working with suppliers to define subsystem requirements and coordinate technical oversight of their performance
• Support other program and product teams, providing subject matter expertise, review, or input as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical sciences
• 15+ years relevant experience in hardware development and systems engineering
• Experience developing complex satellite communications systems
• Demonstrated success developing high-complexity satellite systems or subsystems
• Deep understanding and hands-on experience with:
• Link budget, availability, and capacity analysis
• Modulation and coding techniques
• Multiple access techniques
• Latency analysis
• Experience capturing communication system architectures in detailed block diagram and equipment lists
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated success in technical leadership
• Meticulous attention to detail in design and documentation
• Additional preferred experience:
• Master’s degree in engineering or physical sciences
• Doctoral degree in engineering or physical sciences
• Understanding of antenna design principles, phased array systems, and gain/loss budgets
• Knowledge of key suppliers of space-qualified communications systems hardware and components
• Active TS/SCI security clearance
• Experience with space system program lifecycles, development flows, test events, and verification and validation

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Unlimited PTO

About Terran Orbital 

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners. 

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 accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.