Network Architect

Socket.dev; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare (vision & dental)

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Azora is seeking a Senior Network Architect to design the end-to-end space-ground network, bridging space terminals, optical ground stations, and customer delivery points. You will specify protocols, ground infrastructure, and security across the hybrid network with weather‑dependent links, aiming for maximal availability.

You will produce ICDs and requirements for software, FPGA, and ground teams, and support trade studies and customer engagements in this pivotal aerospace project.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 7+ years in network architecture or space communications systems engineering, with at least 2 years on space or satellite programs.
• Deep knowledge of networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing, transport protocols over high-latency/lossy links, and performance-enhancing techniques.
• Experience with space link protocols (CCSDS suite – AOS/USLP, COP-1, CFDP – or equivalent proprietary stacks).
• Demonstrated ability to write clear architecture documents, ICDs, and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Architect the end-to-end network: space-to-ground optical links, inter-site terrestrial backhaul, network operations center (NOC) integration, and customer data delivery.
• Define protocol stacks for optical links operating over fading atmospheric channels, including framing, FEC/interleaving strategy at the network layer, ARQ, and delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) where appropriate.
• Design site-diversity and handover strategies that exploit multiple ground stations to maximize network availability under cloud cover.
• Develop network-level scheduling and resource allocation across satellite passes, ground stations, and customer demand.
• Specify ground segment IT/network infrastructure: routing, VPNs/encryption, QoS, monitoring, and integration with cloud delivery (AWS/Azure ground-station-style interfaces).
• Define security architecture across the network, including key management and encrypted command/telemetry paths.
• Produce ICDs and requirements that flow down to software, FPGA, and ground systems teams; support trade studies and customer technical engagements.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

TCP/IP

Space/satellite programs

Architecture documentation

CCSDS protocols

Security architecture

Education

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Role

Define the end‑to‑end network architecture connecting Azora's space terminals, optical ground stations, and customer delivery points. You will own how data, telemetry, and control flow across a hybrid space‑ground network with intermittent, weather‑dependent optical links – covering everything from link‑layer protocols and ARQ schemes to ground network topology, routing, scheduling, and security.

Responsibilities

• Architect the end‑to‑end network: space-to-ground optical links, inter‑site terrestrial backhaul, network operations center (NOC) integration, and customer data delivery.

• Define protocol stacks for optical links operating over fading atmospheric channels, including framing, FEC/interleaving strategy at the network layer, ARQ, and delay/disruption‑tolerant networking (DTN) where appropriate.

• Design site‑diversity and handover strategies that exploit multiple ground stations to maximize network availability under cloud cover.

• Develop network‑level scheduling and resource allocation across satellite passes, ground stations, and customer demand.

• Specify ground segment IT/network infrastructure: routing, VPNs/encryption, QoS, monitoring, and integration with cloud delivery (AWS/Azure ground‑station‑style interfaces).

• Define security architecture across the network, including key management and encrypted command/telemetry paths.

• Produce ICDs and requirements that flow down to software, FPGA, and ground systems teams; support trade studies and customer technical engagements.

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

• 7+ years in network architecture or space communications systems engineering, with at least 2 years on space or satellite programs.

• Deep knowledge of networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing, transport protocols over high‑latency/lossy links, and performance‑enhancing techniques.

• Experience with space link protocols (CCSDS suite – AOS/USLP, COP‑1, CFDP – or equivalent proprietary stacks).

• Demonstrated ability to write clear architecture documents, ICDs, and requirements.

Preferred

• Direct experience with optical space‑to‑ground or inter‑satellite links and their availability/fading characteristics.

• Familiarity with DTN (Bundle Protocol), QUIC, or custom reliable transport over intermittent links.

• Experience designing ground station networks, teleports, or satellite operations infrastructure.

• Working knowledge of crypto/key management for space systems (e.g., CCSDS SDLS) and relevant security accreditation processes.

Location

This is an onsite/hybrid role based in Tempe, AZ or the Bay Area, CA – hardware work that’s hard to do remotely. Some travel expected for field deployment and vendor/manufacturing visits.

Benefits

• Generous equity

• Competitive healthcare (including options for vision and dental)

• 401(k)

• Unlimited PTO

EEO & Reasonable Accommodations

• Azora is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

• If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know by contacting [e-mail]

Export Control

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (iii) protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Salary ranges are based on the following criteria

• Final salary is based on geographic location, experience, skills, and qualifications.

About this Company

Azora is building high‑bandwidth communications infrastructure for environments where fiber can’t reach. This work spans LEO spacecraft constellations, lunar exploration missions, GEO satcom, deployable optical ground for defense, and data centers both on‑and off‑world. To enable rapid global proliferation Azora is developing compact and modular optical terminals small enough to deploy from a backpack, and space terminals that support high speed optical links from LEO out to the Moon.