Sr. Communications Payload Architect

Meridian Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Space seeks a senior RF payload design leader to own end-to-end payload architecture for Meridian’s LEO constellation, defining design, procurement and test strategy with vendors to deliver a scalable, cost-effective payload. Translate constellation requirements into payload interfaces, run trade studies, and develop qualification plans, coordinating with spacecraft, ground and operations teams.

Requires 5+ years in RF/payload design, strong MATLAB/Python skills, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Communications, or related field.
• 5+ years professional experience in communications payload, antenna, or RF systems design.
• Strong understanding of analog RF/communications systems and antennas.
• Experience leading payload trade studies across performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payload architecture, design, procurement and test strategy for the Meridian satellite payload.
• Identify and partner with vendors to deliver a scalable, low-cost payload solution.
• Translate constellation requirements into payload interfaces and verification plans.
• Track payload applications and ensure design meets use-case requirements.
• Run trade studies on payload configurations to identify optimal constellation fit.
• Plan, forecast, and manage R&D efforts for payload subsystems and qualification tests.
• Develop and oversee payload-level qualification and end-to-end test plans.
• Ensure procured payload units meet performance, cost, schedule and qualification targets.
• Collaborate with spacecraft, ground, systems and operations teams to validate the full payload chain.

Skills

RF payload design

Analog RF

Trade studies

Requirements translation

Vendor collaboration

MATLAB

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

ADS

HFSS

STK

Job description

Meridian is building a fundamentally new model for sovereign space infrastructure—delivering complete, owned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations that provide governments and commercial operators with full control, assured access, and sovereign communications capability at a fraction of the cost of developing these systems independently.

Backed by leading venture capital investors and engineering partners, we are rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of the satellites, ground systems, and network infrastructure that will power Meridian's next-generation constellations.

Joining Meridian means working at the forefront of one of the world's most ambitious space programs underway today - designing and building constellations that will put sovereign connectivity within reach of nations and operators worldwide. You'll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, where your work directly advances the design, development, and deployment of satellite constellations that governments and enterprises around the world will depend on for secure, resilient, and sovereign connectivity.

Your Mission on the Team:

You will own the end-to-end payload architecture, design, procurement and test strategy for the Meridian satellite payload, including:

• Optimizing the analog communications payload design across performance, cost, reliability, flexibility, and feasibility, leveraging Meridian's unique IP and satcom constellation approach
• Identifying and partnering with vendors and technology providers to deliver the best overall payload architecture
• Translating constellation level requirements into payload requirements, interfaces and verification plans
• Tracking all payload applications and ensuring the design meets requirements across each use case
• Running trade studies on alternative payload configurations to identify the optimal fit for the Meridian constellation
• Planning, forecasting, and managing R&D efforts for communications payload subsystems
• Developing and overseeing the payload level qualification and end to end test plan
• Ensuring procured payload units and subsystems meet Meridian's performance, cost, schedule and qualification requirements
• Working closely with spacecraft, ground, systems and operations teams to validate the full end to end payload system

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years professional experience in communications payload, antenna, or RF systems design and development
• Strong understanding of analog RF/communications systems and antennas, including amplifiers, filters, frequency conversion, antenna design, and link budget analysis
• Experience leading payload trade studies across performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability
• Skill in using and creating software tools to model communications and antenna systems performance (MATLAB, Python, ADS, HFSS, STK, etc.)
• Ability to work autonomously and exercise sound engineering judgement
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years professional experience in satellite communications payload and antenna design and development
• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field
• Experience designing low-cost payloads and antennas intended for high production volumes
• Experience developing and executing payload-level mission qualification plans
• Familiarity with broadband satcom architectures, including LEO/MEO constellation tradeoffs, antenna architectures (phased array, reflector, etc.), and frequency planning
• Breadth of understanding of other spacecraft subsystems and general knowledge of satellite operations

Meridian is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident ("green card holder") or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.

Meridian is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.