Systems Engineering Architect

Telemetry Today LLC; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 255,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) match

Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Architect to lead the design and integration of advanced space satellite architectures in Irvine, CA. You will guide cross-functional teams across avionics, power, propulsion, and navigation, delivering secure, interoperable systems for next‑generation mission constellations.

Reporting to engineering leadership, you will define roadmaps, perform AoA analyses, and ensure architectures meet schedules and budgets while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering or related field.
• 12+ years in spacecraft systems engineering and architecture.
• Proven expertise across avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer architecture, communications, and navigation.

Responsibilities

• Define spacecraft system architecture roadmaps aligned with mission objectives.
• Lead AoA to evaluate avionics, power, propulsion, comms, and navigation solutions.
• Establish technical standards for interoperability across platforms.
• Architect end-to-end satellite solutions spanning avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer systems, communications, and navigation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, government partners, and industry to deliver capabilities on schedule.

Skills

Spacecraft systems

AoA leadership

RF communications

Security architecture

Navigation algorithms

System of systems

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Aerospace/Computer Engineering

12+ years spacecraft systems experience

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you are not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Architect to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the VP, Engineering, the Systems Engineering Architect will lead the design and integration of advanced space satellite architectures. This role requires deep expertise across avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer architecture, communications, and navigation, with a proven ability to architect complex "systems of systems" that enable next-generation orbital mobility, secure communications, and resilient mission operations. As a senior technical leader, you will define technology roadmaps, lead analysis of alternatives, and oversee the integration of multi-domain subsystems into cohesive spacecraft architectures. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, government stakeholders, and industry partners to deliver breakthrough satellite capabilities on schedule and within budget.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Define and implement spacecraft system architecture roadmaps aligned with mission objectives.
• Lead Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to evaluate avionics, power, propulsion, communication, and navigation solutions.
• Establish technical standards and architectures that support interoperability across platforms.
• Architect end-to-end satellite solutions spanning avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer systems, communications, and navigation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams in subsystem design, integration, and qualification.
• Champion innovative approaches to increase performance, reduce costs, and accelerate development cycles.
• Oversee execution of spacecraft architecture projects from concept through deployment.
• Establish and maintain technical performance metrics, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and mission operations to ensure seamless integration.
• Mentor and lead engineering teams, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Partner with vehicle engineering, mission architecture, and external stakeholders to deliver effective solutions.
• Represent the company in industry forums, standards bodies, and with government partners.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering and architecture.
• Demonstrated expertise across avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer architecture, communications, and navigation subsystems.
• Proven track record architecting complex "systems of systems" for space missions.
• Strong background in RF communications, SDRs, antennas, DSP, and navigation algorithms.
• Experience developing technology roadmaps and leading AoA for complex technical systems.
• Knowledge of spacecraft integration, verification, and environmental qualification.
• Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with deep space communications, inter-satellite links, and ground station networks.
• Knowledge of secure computing architectures and regulatory spectrum management.
• Background in digital signal processing algorithms and advanced communications theory.
• Experience working with NASA, DoD, or other government partners on spacecraft systems.
• Track record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, or successful technology transitions.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$200,000 - $255,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] .