Digital Payload Principal System Engineer for Fastwater Staffing

HIKINEX; Montreal; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established satellite and space technology company in Montreal is seeking an experienced Digital Payload Principal System Engineer. You will lead the end-to-end design of advanced digital payloads for LEO/MEO satellite constellations, drive system requirements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate should have over 15 years of experience in satellite communication systems, a strong understanding of digital systems, and proven leadership skills. Knowledge of simulation tools is essential.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in satellite payload or communication systems engineering.
• Strong background in LEO/MEO constellation architecture and digital payloads.
• Solid knowledge of digital communications, signal processing, SDR, antennas, and networking.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end architecture and design of digital satellite payloads.
• Define requirements for key subsystems such as onboard digital processing and phased-array antennas.
• Oversee test planning and system verification.

Skills

Satellite communication systems

System architecture design

Digital payloads

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in EE, Computer Engineering, Physics

Tools

Simulation tools

Job description

DIGITAL PAYLOAD PRINCIPAL SYSTEM ENGINEER

Location: Montreal, QC

We’re partnering with a well-established satellite and space technology company that’s growing its Satellite Systems team in Montreal. This role focuses on the system-level design and architecture of advanced digital communication payloads for next-generation LEO/MEO satellite constellations.

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end architecture and design of digital satellite payloads
• Drive system requirements, trade studies, and capacity analysis
• Support program execution and proposal efforts
• Collaborate with customers and cross-functional engineering teams
• Lead and participate in design reviews across the full program lifecycle
• Define requirements for key subsystems (onboard digital processing, phased-array antennas, feeder links, optical ISLs)
• Oversee test planning and system verification

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in EE, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 15+ years of experience in satellite payload or communication systems engineering
• Strong background in LEO/MEO constellation architecture and digital payloads
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams
• Solid knowledge of digital communications, signal processing, SDR, antennas, and networking
• Familiarity with simulation tools, space environment, and orbital mechanics
• 5G NTN experience is a plus
• Strong communication and collaboration skills (French a plus; English beneficial)