Space Systems Engineer, Mission Lead - Space Laser Communications
Singapore
About the role
Transcelestial’s vision is to improve the connectivity experience for the next billion people. We believe that connectivity is a human right and Transcelestial is on a mission to solve the problem of internet distribution and provide affordable, high-speed internet to everyone. Transcelestial’s next-generation wireless laser communication technology is one of the most effective solutions in the distribution of high-quality, high-speed internet connectivity, making it well-poised to solve civilization’s long-term communication needs - and ultimately improve connectivity for 1 billion users globally. Today we offer the highly reliable and secure, light-weight, shoe-box sized CENTAURI device, which leverages our proprietary laser technology to create a wireless distribution network and can be quickly, easily and cost-effectively installed on any standard telecom pole or tower at a faster time-to-market than standard fiber-optic cable. This year, we've formally launched our program to develop a constellation of small satellites positioned in Low Earth Orbit, allowing their laser network to not only beam across cities but upwards to connect continents across the world too. OUR VALUES Lean & Simple. Our products are simple to use, we focus on what matters, we solve issues one by one and we spend smart. Approachable. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, don’t be shy! The best ideas can come from anywhere in the organisation. Supportive. We are a bunch of smart individuals delivering at their best working in teams. If you face an issue, you can be sure someone will jump in and help you. End user obsessed. Customers and end users are at the core of everything we do. Relentless innovators. Our technology is at the forefront of innovation. We are curious, we question everything, we love research and are passionate about the next big thing. Join our team if you want to define the rules of how our civilisation communicates! Senior Space Systems Engineer, Mission Lead - Space Laser Communications As a Senior Space Systems Engineer at Transcelestial, you will be a key part of the Space & Defense Team, led by Dr Jan Smisek (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-smisek/). You will bring real-world experience from developing and launching satellites or payloads to guide our engineering efforts, initially focusing your project management skills on delivering one of our upcoming missions. Your primary technical focus will be the systems development for a novel, miniature space-based laser communication terminal. You will collaborate closely with the hardware, manufacturing, and software design teams to assist with the overall development of optical systems, while actively helping us build the processes needed to scale from small-volume production. As a Senior Space Systems Engineer , you will: Develop features, fix issues, and optimize software for FPGAs used in Transcelestial’s ground and space products, using VHDL/Verilog Collaborate with external parties to design and develop capabilities for FPGAs that meet Transcelestial’s needs Develop test benches and verification environments to ensure functional correctness and performance Perform simulations to validate FPGA software design Perform hardware testing and validation on development boards and production systems Debug and troubleshoot FPGA issues in the field Develop features and fix issues for embedded software for the CENTAURI Develop features and fix issues for embedded software for satellite communication payloads
Responsibilities: Take ownership of the systems engineering and project management for an initial upcoming satellite mission, guiding
the team with your practical experience. Interact closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure mission
requirements are clearly communicated and executed. Lead systems engineering activities for space-based laser communication terminals, taking charge of
requirements definition, interface control, and performance analysis (including pointing error budgets, power, communications link budgets, mass, and thermal margins). Design and validate mechanical and thermal subsystems for space and optical payloads, utilizing CAD modeling, vibration analysis, and thermal simulations. Manage and lead Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) procedures, ensuring successful environmental qualification and payload integration into client satellite buses. Deliver core first-phase projects on an aggressive timeline within 90-180 days.
Qualifications you will bring: 5+ years of design and analysis engineering experience in satellite missions. Real, hands-on experience with launching satellite platforms in space. Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent work experience. Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape) for structural design for space platforms and interface development. Strong communication skills with a proven ability to work autonomously while collaborating in international, multidisciplinary teams. Strong general technical, documentation, and time management skills with a deep desire to fix things and optimize solutions. Preferred Skills and Experience: Full lifecycle experience building a satellite mission or space optical payload. Extensive experience in satellite or optical payload assembly, integration, and test (AIT). Demonstrated drive and capability to expand manufacturing processes from small-volume production to larger scales. Expertise in one or more of the following areas: AOCS/GNC, optics, mechanical design, electronics for space, control engineering, or signal processing. Expertise in mechanical design, vibration analysis, and thermal simulations, strongly applied to optical or space payloads. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as SolidWorks, Ansys, Onshape, Zemax, LTspice, and Python. Experience working in a high-growth or startup environment. Our Hiring Process and what to expect: 30 min call with our technical recruitment team to get a feel for
the role and to make sure your objectives and ours are aligned 30-60 min video/in-person interview with the Hiring Manager of
the role, so you can understand
the role,
the team, your future manager better 60 min in-person Team Fit interviews with at least 2 members of
the team to get to know your future team mates You may also be given a technical exercise to complete as a means of benchmarking your technical knowledge and fit for this role. What’s in it for you: A competitive salary and stock options package Personal Macbook laptop "Unlimited" Annual Leave Comprehensive and top-tier health plans Daily lunch allowance in office Join Us: You should include in your application Your CV, and/or LinkedIn page Links to your projects, portfolio, or other work which demonstrate your
qualifications Email us at [email protected] if you have questions. Thank you for your interest in joining Transcelestial. We cannot wait to meet you! Transcelestial has won numerous industry and global awards including the SPIFFY San Andreas Award for Most Disruptive Technology by Telecom Council, Forbes 30 Under 30 and Prestige 40 under 40 for our CTO Dr. Mohammad Danesh, Edge 35 Under 35 to our CEO Rohit Jha, The Most Ambitious Start-Up in Photonics Award by The Optical Society (OSA), etc. Founded in Dec 2016, the Transcelestial team is located in Singapore and is backed by major investors such as Wavemaker Partners, EDBI, Airbus Ventures, Kickstart Ventures, Cap Vista, SEEDS Capital (Enterprise SG), Entrepreneur First, Partech Ventures, 500 Startups, AirTree Ventures, Tekton Ventures, SGInnovate, SparkLabs Global Ventures, Michael Seibel (CEO of Y-Combinator, Founder of Twitch.tv), Charles Songhurst (Microsoft’s former Head of Corporate Strategy) and others.
