We are looking for a Sr. Communications Payload Architect with 7-15 years of experience to own the end-to-end payload architecture for a next-generation broadband satellite constellation. You'll be a strategic-level IC responsible for optimizing payload design, managing the technology development roadmap, and ensuring the payload delivers on business commitments. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new broadband SATCOM system from the ground up at a company that has spent five years incubating novel payload and antenna technology. You'll work closely with leadership, sales, hardware development, and vendors to drive the payload forward as both a product and a program.

What will you be doing?

Owning the system-level payload architecture — link budgets, power budgets, and forecasting where performance improvements can be achieved as technologies mature
Managing the full landscape of existing and potential vendors for payload equipment, directing them to develop new RF components for high-volume manufacturing
Leading the R&D program for the payload, forecasting technology readiness against customer delivery timelines so the team can confidently commit to performance levels
Identifying bottlenecks across the RF chain (transponders, amplifiers, filters, frequency conversion) and prioritizing engineering effort to resolve cascading performance risks
Defining qualification test programs, requirements, and milestones to build confidence in the technology ahead of constellation manufacturing

Meridian Space (formerly SpinLaunch) is building a next-generation broadband satellite constellation designed to deliver high-capacity, low-latency connectivity to users around the globe. The company has spent the last five years incubating this technology, developing novel antenna and payload IP that enables a unique approach to satellite communications.

Backed by over $200M in funding from leading investors including Kleiner Perkins, Google Ventures, Airbus Ventures, and ATW Partners, Meridian is rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of satellites and ground systems. The company has a demonstration satellite currently flying and is actively pursuing constellation contracts with commercial and government customers.

Culture & Mission:

Meridian is a close-knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment
The company values technical depth and technology development over process and bureaucracy
Team members are expected to be hungry, autonomous, and comfortable working with advanced technologies
The mission is to reshape global connectivity through a novel broadband SATCOM constellation approach

The team operates 5 days a week on-site in Long Beach, CA, maintaining a startup pace with a lean, high-impact engineering organization focused on getting real hardware into orbit.

Sr. Communications Payload Architect

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