Senior Optical Payload Architect for Space-Based Links

Logos Space; Mountain View (WY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Logos Space in Mountain View is seeking an Optical Payload Lead to define, integrate, and test advanced optical payloads for our satellite missions.

You will build and guide a team, own end-to-end development from specification through in-orbit commissioning, and coordinate with systems engineering, spacecraft buses, and ground segments.

This role requires deep expertise in high-data-rate optical links, optical time transfer, laser ranging, and hands-on leadership in a fast-moving startup.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in design, development, and testing of optical systems; 2+ years in space-based applications.
• Experience with high-data-rate optical systems (e.g., OISL).
• Knowledge of optical principles, laser systems, PAT, and link budgets.
• Proven leadership in technical teams and product development.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a team spanning tech development, integration, and large-scale manufacturing.
• Manage optical payload operations across cost, schedule, and performance in a startup pace.
• Lead end-to-end lifecycle from specification to in-orbit commissioning.
• Specify, integrate, and evaluate optical payloads: OISL, time transfer, ranging.
• Oversee high-bandwidth OISL link architecture, procurement, and integration.
• Direct development of precise optical time transfer systems for synchronization.
• Guide laser-based ranging payload design and validation.
• Manage engineers and technicians with mentorship and performance reviews.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, spacecraft, ground segment, and PM teams.
• Oversee supplier selection and technical oversight for key optical subsystems.
• Develop payload budgets, schedules, and resource allocations.
• Lead technical reviews (PDR, CDR), anomaly investigations, and risk management.
• Stay current with industry trends and advances in space optics.
• Prepare technical documentation and briefings for stakeholders.

Skills

Optical payload leadership

OISL experience

Optical communications

System architecture

Budget and scheduling

Team management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering/Physics/STEM fields

Master's degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering/Physics/STEM fields

PhD in Electrical/Optical Engineering/Physics/STEM fields

Tools

Zemax

Code V

MATLAB

Job description

Logos Space in Mountain View is seeking an Optical Payload Lead to define, integrate, and test advanced optical payloads for our satellite missions.

You will build and guide a team, own end-to-end development from specification through in-orbit commissioning, and coordinate with systems engineering, spacecraft buses, and ground segments.

This role requires deep expertise in high-data-rate optical links, optical time transfer, laser ranging, and hands-on leadership in a fast-moving startup.