Network Architect

PLP Group; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous equity

Healthcare (vision & dental)

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

EEO & Reasonable Accommodations

Job summary

Azora is hiring to define the end-to-end network architecture connecting space terminals, optical ground stations, and customer delivery points. You will own data, telemetry, and control flow across a hybrid space-ground network with intermittent optical links, covering link-layer protocols, DTN, and routing across ground stations.

The role requires 7+ years in network architecture for space programs, with CCSDS or equivalent protocol experience, and the ability to produce ICDs and formal

Qualifications

• 7+ years in network architecture and space communications engineering.
• Deep knowledge of networking fundamentals and high-latency links.
• Experience with CCSDS space link protocols or equivalents.
• Able to write clear architecture documents, ICDs and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Architect the end-to-end space-to-ground network and data delivery.
• Define protocol stacks for optical links and DTN where appropriate.
• Design site-diversity, handover, and resource scheduling across passes.
• Specify ground segment IT/network infrastructure and security.
• Produce ICDs and requirements for software, FPGA, and ground teams.

Skills

Network architecture

Space communications

TCP/IP

Space link protocols

Security concepts

Education

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

Job description

Job detailsEngineeringSan Francisco Bay Area, PhoenixFull-time$160,000 USD - $200,000 USDRoleDefine 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.ResponsibilitiesArchitect 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 QualificationsBS/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.PreferredDirect 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.LocationThis 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 equityCompetitive healthcare (including options for vision and dental)401(k)Unlimited PTOEEO & Reasonable AccommodationsAzora 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] ControlTo 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 CompanyAzora 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.