Space Mission Architect, D2D Communications

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock option based equity program

Comprehensive benefits including medical and dental

Monthly wellness allowances

Generous time off policy

Ability to work abroad temporarily

Job summary

Skylo is seeking a Space Mission Architect to guide our Direct-to-Device satellite communications network. You will own the architecture from concept to on-orbit operations, defining mission requirements and conducting extensive simulations.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in space systems engineering, a relevant engineering degree, and strong communications skills. The role offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to shape a groundbreaking satellite network.

Qualifications

• Experience in space mission architecture for LEO communications.
• Hands-on experience in spacecraft design with small satellites.
• Track record of thriving in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Architect advanced communication missions including constellation geometry.
• Define mission-level requirements across multiple teams.
• Support system integration and on-orbit validation.

Skills

Space mission architecture

Space systems engineering

Mission-level modeling and analysis

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Modeling tools for link budgets

AI tools

Job description

Skylo is hiring a Space Mission Architect for our next‑generation Direct‑to‑Device (D2D) / Direct‑to‑Cell LEO constellation, owning the end‑to‑end space segment architecture from concept through on‑orbit operations.

This role can be performed remotely with a preference for candidates located in Mountain View, CA, where we are onsite three days per week.

How You Will Contribute

• Architect an advanced D2D communications mission, including constellation geometry, coverage strategies, link budgets, and overall system performance allocations.
• Define and maintain mission‑level requirements, CONOPS, and interfaces across space, ground, and user segments for a dual‑use (commercial and government) communications system.
• Lead constellation‑level trade studies (orbit design, platform selection, launch strategy, inter‑sat links, spectrum use) to optimize capacity, resiliency, and cost.
• Drive the architecture, requirements, and integration approach for advanced communications payloads (RF, digital, and associated processing), ensuring they meet mission KPIs.
• Work closely with spacecraft design and manufacturing teams to ensure the LEO platform supports mission, payload, and production needs at scale.
• Own end‑to‑end mission performance modeling and simulation, including link analysis, capacity modeling, and coverage simulations.
• Partner with ground systems, network, and product teams to translate user‑level service requirements into system‑level design and test criteria.
• Support system integration, environmental test campaigns, and on‑orbit validation, including troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis at the constellation level.
• Contribute to technical roadmap, proposals, and customer engagements with government and commercial partners, clearly articulating architecture choices and tradeoffs.
• Champion a “build fast, learn fast” culture, mentoring engineers and helping establish best practices in mission and systems engineering.

What We Look For

• Significant experience in space mission architecture or space systems engineering, with a focus on LEO communications constellations or similar complex space systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field; advanced degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Hands‑on experience in spacecraft design and manufacturing, preferably with small satellites or LEO platforms.
• Direct experience with communications payload development and/or integration (e.g., cellular, broadband, RF, SDR, or similar advanced comms systems).
• Strong skills in mission and system‑level modeling and analysis (e.g., link budgets, constellation coverage, performance simulations).
• Demonstrated ability to define and manage mission‑level requirements, CONOPS, and interface control across multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Track record of thriving in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments—self‑starter, comfortable taking ownership and driving decisions with imperfect information.
• Excellent communication skills, able to work across hardware, software, product, and business stakeholders.
• Every role at Skylo uses AI tools daily to amplify output. We expect active habits using AI tools and a track record of folding new ones into your workflow quickly.

Security and Eligibility

• U.S. person (citizen or permanent resident) required due to export control and government customer requirements.
• Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a TS‑level clearance.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation packages including a stock option based equity program.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan.
• Monthly allowances for wellness and education reimbursement.
• A generous time off policy, holidays, and the opportunity to temporarily work abroad.
• Once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of developing and running world’s first commercial, live direct‑to‑device satellite network and service.
• Access to world‑class team and talent across tech domains: software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite and network virtualization.
• Open, transparent, inclusive culture that blends the Silicon Valley, Nordic and South Asia characteristics.

The compensation range for this position is: $255,000 - $270,000.

Skylo is an equal‑opportunity employer and we celebrate diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, parent or caregiver status, political affiliation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Please let us know if you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability.