Network Architect

Deel; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous equity

Healthcare options (vision & dental)

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Azora is seeking a Network Architect to define an end-to-end space-ground network connecting space terminals, ground stations, and customer delivery points. You will design protocols for optical links, manage site diversity, and align scheduling across satellite passes and ground infrastructure.

You will craft security architecture, key management, and ICDs for software, FPGA, and ground teams, with a focus on reliability in high-latency channels and weather-affected links.

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.

Responsibilities

• Architect the end-to-end network: space-to-ground optical links, inter-site terrestrial backhaul, NOC integration, and customer data delivery.
• Define protocol stacks for optical links over fading atmospheric channels, including framing, FEC/interleaving, ARQ, and DTN where appropriate.
• Design site-diversity and handover strategies 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 cloud interface integration.
• Define security architecture across the network, including key management and encrypted paths.
• Produce ICDs and requirements for software/FPGA/ground systems teams; support trade studies and engagements.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

Space communications

Satellite protocols

Architecture documentation

Education

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

CCSDS suite

Job description

Network ArchitectJob detailsEngineeringSan Francisco, PhoenixFull-timeOn-site### **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.