At a Glance
- Tasks: Design next-gen satellite payloads and optimise communication systems for space.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible.
- Benefits: Work with cutting-edge tech, competitive salary, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment based in the UK or Spain with global impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of satellite communication and tackle real-world challenges.
- Qualifications: Deep understanding of satellite payloads and strong systems engineering skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
Working in the Satcom Team, the Satcom Team is responsible for modelling, simulating, and continuously optimising the performance of Open Cosmos’ satellite communication infrastructure. This includes the space segment, inter-satellite links, terminals, and ground connectivity, ensuring our end-to-end systems deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable service under dynamic conditions. We work with cutting‑edge technologies such as digital twins, autonomous networks, and large‑scale constellation models. The team plays a key role in design validation, mission planning, and performance‑driven engineering decision‑making.
What will you be doing? As Satcom Payload Architect, you will own the end‑to‑end technical architecture of next‑generation satellite payloads, ensuring that service intent, payload design, and satellite implementation are fully aligned.
- Define the complete payload architecture, with a strong focus on digitally processed, highly flexible, and scalable solutions for LEO constellations.
- Act as the technical bridge between Satcom Solutions (service definition) and Satellite Infrastructure (spacecraft delivery).
- Translate service‑level requirements (throughput, latency, availability) into clear, verifiable technical specifications across all payload subsystems.
- Drive critical SWaP, cost, and risk trade‑offs, maximising performance per kilogram and watt.
- Perform detailed microwave link budgets and cascade analysis, ensuring mission performance under worst‑case operational and thermal conditions.
- Define architectures and requirements for:
- High‑gain, dynamic beamforming antennas (multi‑beam reflectors or APAAs)
- RF front‑end chains (LNAs, SSPAs, frequency‑agile converters)
- Digitally regenerative payload processors supporting multiple waveforms (DVB‑S2X/RCS2, 3GPP NTN)
- High‑data‑rate inter‑satellite links (optical and/or mmWave RF)
- Architect high‑stability frequency generation and signal conditioning chains to support resilient PNT alternatives to GNSS.
- Define passive spectrum monitoring and geolocation capabilities to detect and localise RFI and jamming.
- Develop the payload Concept of Operations (CONOPS), including autonomous modes, reconfiguration strategies, and failure detection/recovery.
- Work closely with satellite bus teams to ensure payload thermal, mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces are fully aligned.
In this role you will make decisions that directly shape what we build and fly.
What You’ll bring:
- Deep understanding of satellite communication payload architectures, particularly for LEO systems.
- Strong systems engineering mindset, including requirements definition, flow‑down and verification.
- In‑depth knowledge of RF and microwave systems, including link budgets, noise figure, linearity and cascade effects.
- Confidence defining antenna systems, RF front ends, onboard processors and inter‑satellite link architectures.
- Solid understanding of digital payloads, including DSP, SDR architectures and high‑speed data conversion.
- Comfort making informed trade‑offs across performance, SWaP, cost and risk.
- Familiarity with satellite communication standards such as DVB‑S2X, DVB‑RCS2 and 3GPP NTN.
- Ability to work across hardware and software boundaries within complex space systems.
- Capability to produce clear, structured and verifiable technical documentation.
- A pragmatic, collaborative approach with a strong sense of accountability.
This role will be based in the UK or Spain.
Why Open Cosmos?
- Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
- A mission‑driven company making space accessible to help solve real‑world challenges.
- A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.
Satcom Payload Architect employer: Open Cosmos Ltd.
At Open Cosmos, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose. As a Satcom Payload Architect, you will be at the forefront of space technology, collaborating with a diverse and ambitious team dedicated to making space accessible for solving real-world challenges. With opportunities for professional growth and a culture that values accountability and collaboration, you'll find meaningful and rewarding employment in either the UK or Spain.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Satcom Payload Architect
✨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 Open Cosmos Ltd. for a Satcom 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 Payload Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Open Cosmos Ltd., 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 Open Cosmos Ltd., 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 Open Cosmos Ltd.
✨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 Open Cosmos Ltd..
✨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 Open Cosmos Ltd.. 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 Open Cosmos Ltd. love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
