Space Mission Architect, D2D Communications

Skylo Technologies • Mountain View, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Skylo is hiring a Space Mission Architect for our next-generation Direct-to-Device (D2D) / Direct-to-Cell LEO constellation, owning the end-to-end space segment architecture from concept through on-orbit operations. This role is highly cross-functional and ideal for a self-starter who can move between high-level constellation design and detailed payload and spacecraft integration in a fast-moving startup. This role can be performed remotely with a preference for candidates located in Mountain View, CA, where we are onsite three days per week.

Requirements

• 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 (e.g., cellular, broadband, RF, SDR, or similar advanced comms systems).
• Strong skills in mission and system-level modeling and analysis (e.g., link budgets, constellation coverage, performance simulations).
• Demonstrated ability to define and manage mission-level requirements, CONOPS, and interface control across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Track record of thriving in ambiguous, fast-paced environments—self-starter, comfortable taking ownership and driving decisions with imperfect information.
• Excellent communication skills, able to work across hardware, software, product, and business stakeholders.
• Every role at Skylo uses AI tools daily to amplify output. We expect active habits using AI tools and a track record of folding new ones into your workflow quickly
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Architect an advanced D2D communications mission, including constellation geometry, coverage strategies, link budgets, and overall system performance allocations.
• Define and maintain mission-level requirements, CONOPS, and interfaces across space, ground, and user segments for a dual-use (commercial and government) communications system.
• Lead constellation-level trade studies (orbit design, platform selection, launch strategy, inter-sat links, spectrum use) to optimize capacity, resiliency, and cost.
• Drive the architecture, requirements, and integration approach for advanced communications payloads (RF, digital, and associated processing), ensuring they meet mission KPIs.
• Work closely with spacecraft design and manufacturing teams to ensure the LEO platform supports mission, payload, and production needs at scale.
• 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 user-level service requirements into system-level design and test criteria.
• Support system integration, environmental test campaigns, and on-orbit validation, including troubleshooting and root-cause analysis at the constellation level.
• Contribute to technical roadmap, proposals, and customer engagements with government and commercial partners, clearly articulating architecture choices and tradeoffs.
• Champion a “build fast, learn fast” culture, mentoring engineers and helping establish best practices in mission and systems engineering.

Benefits

• 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, holidays, and the opportunity to temporarily work abroad
• Access to world-class team and talent across tech domains: software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite and network virtualization
• Open, transparent, inclusive culture that blends the Silicon Valley, Nordic and South Asia characteristics

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior