Systems Engineering Architect

Terran Orbital Corporation•Irvine, CA

16h•$200,000 - $255,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond! Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Architect to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the VP, Engineering, the Systems Engineering Architect will lead the design and integration of advanced space satellite architectures. This role requires deep expertise across avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer architecture, communications, and navigation, with a proven ability to architect complex “systems of systems” that enable next-generation orbital mobility, secure communications, and resilient mission operations. As a senior technical leader, you will define technology roadmaps, lead analysis of alternatives, and oversee the integration of multi-domain subsystems into cohesive spacecraft architectures. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, government stakeholders, and industry partners to deliver breakthrough satellite capabilities on schedule and within budget.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
12+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering and architecture.
Demonstrated expertise across avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer architecture, communications, and navigation subsystems.
Proven track record architecting complex “systems of systems” for space missions.
Strong background in RF communications, SDRs, antennas, DSP, and navigation algorithms.
Experience developing technology roadmaps and leading AoA for complex technical systems.
Knowledge of spacecraft integration, verification, and environmental qualification.
Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
Experience with deep space communications, inter-satellite links, and ground station networks.
Knowledge of secure computing architectures and regulatory spectrum management.
Background in digital signal processing algorithms and advanced communications theory.
Experience working with NASA, DoD, or other government partners on spacecraft systems.
Track record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, or successful technology transitions.

Responsibilities

Define and implement spacecraft system architecture roadmaps aligned with mission objectives.
Lead Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to evaluate avionics, power, propulsion, communication, and navigation solutions.
Establish technical standards and architectures that support interoperability across platforms.
Architect end-to-end satellite solutions spanning avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer systems, communications, and navigation.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams in subsystem design, integration, and qualification.
Champion innovative approaches to increase performance, reduce costs, and accelerate development cycles.
Oversee execution of spacecraft architecture projects from concept through deployment.
Establish and maintain technical performance metrics, schedules, and budgets.
Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and mission operations to ensure seamless integration.
Mentor and lead engineering teams, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
Partner with vehicle engineering, mission architecture, and external stakeholders to deliver effective solutions.
Represent the company in industry forums, standards bodies, and with government partners.