Sr. Communications Payload Architect

Meridian Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Space is building a new model for sovereign space infrastructure, delivering LEO satellite constellations for governments and commercial operators. You will optimize analog payload design, translate requirements into testable payload specs, and plan R&D for payload subsystems in a fast-paced environment.

The role involves coordinating with spacecraft, ground, and operations teams, leading payload trade studies, and ensuring end-to-end payload qualification to meet strict performance,

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 MATLAB, Python, ADS, HFSS, STK, etc. to model communications and antenna systems performance.
• Ability to work autonomously and exercise sound engineering judgement.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Payload design

RF design

Trade studies

Vendor management

System integration

Autonomy

Communication skills

RF theory

10+ years payload experience

Mission qualification planning

Broadband satcom

Satellite ops knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in EE/RF/Comm

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

• 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

ITAR Requirements

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.