At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of cutting-edge satellite communication and space payload systems.
- Company: Join Altera, a leader in innovative space and defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space technology and defence with your expertise.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering and 8+ years in satellite communications or space payload design.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Altera is seeking a SatCom, ISR, and Space Payload Architect to lead technical engagements and solution development for next-generation space and defense platforms. This role will focus on architecting FPGA-based solutions for satellite communications, intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance (ISR), and onboard space payload processing. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the Altera New Hampshire office, once the office is established.
Key Responsibilities
- Define system architectures for SatCom, ISR, and space payload applications leveraging Altera FPGA technologies
- Partner with customers and internal teams to translate mission requirements into scalable, high-performance solutions
- Design and optimize signal processing pipelines for applications such as modulation/demodulation, channelization, encryption, and image/sensor processing
- Drive adoption of FPGA-based acceleration for onboard processing, including real-time and edge compute in space environments
- Collaborate with hardware, software, and product teams to influence roadmap and deliver optimized solutions
- Support system integration across RF front-end, digital processing, and high-speed interconnects
- Provide technical leadership across design, verification, and deployment phases
- Develop reference architectures, white papers, and technical collateral for aerospace and defense customers
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred
- 8+ years of experience in satellite communications, ISR systems, or space payload design
- Strong background in digital signal processing (DSP) for communications or sensing systems
- Hands-on experience with FPGA design (VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog, RTL development)
- Experience with communication protocols and standards (e.g., DVB-S2/S2X, CCSDS, LDPC, etc.)
- Familiarity with high-speed data interfaces (e.g., PCIe, Ethernet, JESD204)
- Experience with system-level design in constrained environments (power, thermal, radiation)
Security Clearance Requirement
This position may involve work on U.S. Government contracts that require access to controlled or classified information. Accordingly, all applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to obtain or maintain the required security clearance may result in the withdrawal of an employment offer or termination of employment, consistent with applicable law.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with onboard satellite payload processing or software-defined payloads
- Knowledge of RF systems, link budgets, and waveform design
- Experience with AI/ML acceleration in ISR or space-based analytics
- Familiarity with Altera FPGA architecture and toolchain
- Understanding of radiation-tolerant design and space qualification requirements
Key Competencies
- Strong system-level architecture and problem-solving skills
- Ability to balance performance, power, and reliability for space environments
- Customer-facing experience with aerospace/defense stakeholders
- Clear communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Job Type: Regular Shift 1 (United States of America) Primary Location: Portsmouth Additional Locations: San Jose, California, United States
SatCom, ISR & Space Payload Architect in Portsmouth employer: Altera
Altera is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for a Field Application Engineer to thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to build valuable relationships with key customers while leveraging cutting-edge FPGA technology. Located in the picturesque town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, employees enjoy a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusivity, alongside opportunities for international travel and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SatCom, ISR & Space Payload Architect in Portsmouth
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Altera for a SatCom, ISR & Space Payload Architect. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace SatCom, ISR & Space Payload Architect in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Altera, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Altera, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Altera
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Altera.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Altera. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Altera love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
