Space Systems Lead: Optical Terminal Architect

PLP Group; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous equity

Competitive healthcare

401(k)

Job summary

Azora is hiring to advance the space segment, focusing on flight terminals and avionics that carry optical communications to orbit. You will contribute across system architecture, requirements, and verification in a compact hardware team.

The role demands hands-on work with real flight hardware and independent technical ownership, from requirements flow-down to V&V, including environment tests and design reviews. Tempe or Bay Area onsite/hybrid roles.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Aerospace, Electrical, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with real flight hardware or flight-like hardware.
• Knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals: requirements, mass/power budgets, V&V planning.
• Experience with environmental qualification or AIT (vibration, TVAC, EMC).

Responsibilities

• Own space segment architecture across optical terminal, avionics, structures, thermal, power, and interfaces.
• Lead design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and the verification and validation program.
• Interface with launch providers, bus manufacturers, and hosted payload partners; develop ICDs.
• Support risk management and AIT campaigns and launch-site operations.

Skills

Flight hardware experience

Systems engineering

V&V planning

Requirements flow-down

Independent work

Education

BS/MS in Aerospace, Electrical, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Job description

Azora is hiring to advance the space segment, focusing on flight terminals and avionics that carry optical communications to orbit. You will contribute across system architecture, requirements, and verification in a compact hardware team.

The role demands hands-on work with real flight hardware and independent technical ownership, from requirements flow-down to V&V, including environment tests and design reviews. Tempe or Bay Area onsite/hybrid roles.