Lead Space Mission Architect — D2D/LEO Constellations (Equity)

Skylo; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 255,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical benefits

Wellness reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Skylo is hiring a Chief Space Mission Architect to own the end-to-end space segment architecture for a D2D/LEO constellation, from concept through on-orbit operations. This cross‑functional role suits a self‑starter who can move between high‑level constellation design and payload integration in a fast‑moving startup.

You will partner with spacecraft, ground, and product teams to translate user requirements into system‑level design, perform mission modeling, and guide trade studies that optimize

Qualifications

• Significant experience in space mission architecture or space systems engineering.
• Hands-on spacecraft design and manufacturing experience.
• Direct experience with communications payload development and/or integration.
• Strong modeling and analysis skills including link budgets and coverage.
• Ability to define mission-level requirements and CONOPS across teams.
• Thrives in ambiguous, fast-paced environments with ownership mindset.
• Excellent communication across hardware, software, product, and business teams.
• Experience using AI tools to amplify output.

Responsibilities

• Architect an advanced D2D mission including constellation design and link budgets.
• Define mission requirements, CONOPS, and interfaces across space, ground, and user segments.
• Lead constellation trade studies to optimize capacity and resiliency.
• Drive payload architecture and integration meeting mission KPIs.
• Collaborate with spacecraft design and manufacturing to enable scalable operations.
• Own end-to-end mission performance modeling and simulations.
• Translate user service requirements into system-level design criteria.
• Support system integration and on-orbit validation efforts.
• Contribute to technical roadmap, proposals, and customer engagements.
• Mentor engineers and promote best practices in mission engineering.

Skills

Space mission architecture

Space systems engineering

Modeling and analysis

Requirements management

Cross-functional leadership

CONOPS development

Communication across stakeholders

AI tools in workflow

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/electrical engineering/physics

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Payload development

Job description

Skylo is hiring a Chief Space Mission Architect to own the end-to-end space segment architecture for a D2D/LEO constellation, from concept through on-orbit operations. This cross‑functional role suits a self‑starter who can move between high‑level constellation design and payload integration in a fast‑moving startup.

You will partner with spacecraft, ground, and product teams to translate user requirements into system‑level design, perform mission modeling, and guide trade studies that optimize