Satcom Payload Architect - Open Cosmos This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Open Cosmos and our selected partners use cookies and similar technologies (together “cookies”) that are necessary to present this website, and to ensure you get the best experience of it. If you consent to it, we will also use cookies for analytics purposes. See our Cookie Policy to read more about the cookies we set. You can withdraw and manage your consent at any time, by clicking “Manage cookies” at the bottom of each website page. Accept all cookies Decline all non-necessary cookies Cookie preferences Select which cookies you accept On this site, we always set cookies that are strictly necessary, meaning they are necessary for the site to function properly. If you consent to it, we will also set other types of cookies. You can provide or withdraw your consent to the different types of cookies using the toggles below. You can change or withdraw your consent at any time, by clicking the link “Manage Cookies”, which is always available at the bottom of the site. To learn more about what the different types of cookies do, how your data is used when they are set etc, see our Cookie Policy . Strictly necessary These cookies are necessary to make the site work properly, and are always set when you visit the site. Vendors Teamtailor Analytics These cookies collect information to help us understand how the site is being used. Vendors Teamtailor Accept these cookies Decline all non-necessary cookies Skip to main content common--header--menu#toggle" data-common--header--menu-target="button" > Career menu Employee Log in as employee Candidate Log in to Connect Share page Facebook X LinkedIn Mail CRO · SATCOM (Broadband and Narrowband) · Harwell, UK, Barcelona, Spain · Hybrid Satcom Payload Architect Apply for this job Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on… Working in the Satcom Team The Satcom Team is responsible for modelling, simulating, and continuously optimising the performance of Open Cosmos’ satellite communication infrastructure. This includes the space segment, inter-satellite links, terminals, and ground connectivity, ensuring our end-to-end systems deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable service under dynamic conditions. We work with cutting-edge technologies such as digital twins, autonomous networks, and large-scale constellation models.
The team plays a key role in design validation, mission planning, and performance-driven engineering decision-making. What will you be doing? As Satcom Payload Architect, you will own the end-to-end technical architecture of next-generation satellite payloads, ensuring that service intent, payload design, and satellite implementation are fully aligned. You will: Define the complete payload architecture, with a strong focus on digitally processed, highly flexible, and scalable solutions for LEO constellations. Act as the technical bridge between Satcom Solutions (service definition) and Satellite Infrastructure (spacecraft delivery). Translate service-level
requirements (throughput, latency, availability) into clear, verifiable technical specifications across all payload subsystems. Drive critical SWaP, cost, and risk trade-offs, maximising performance per kilogram and watt. Perform detailed microwave link budgets and cascade analysis, ensuring mission performance under worst-case operational and thermal conditions. Define architectures and
requirements for: High-gain, dynamic beamforming antennas (multi-beam reflectors or APAAs) RF front-end chains (LNAs, SSPAs, frequency-agile converters) Digitally regenerative payload processors supporting multiple waveforms (DVB-S2X/RCS2, 3GPP NTN) High-data-rate inter-satellite links (optical and/or mmWave RF) Architect high-stability frequency generation and signal conditioning chains to support resilient PNT alternatives to GNSS. Define passive spectrum monitoring and geolocation capabilities to detect and localise RFI and jamming. Develop the payload Concept of Operations (CONOPS), including autonomous modes, reconfiguration strategies, and failure detection/recovery. Work closely with satellite bus teams to ensure payload thermal, mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces are fully aligned. In this role you will make decisions that directly shape what we build and fly. What You’ll bring Deep understanding of satellite communication payload architectures, particularly for LEO systems. Strong systems engineering mindset, including
requirements definition, flow-down and verification. In-depth knowledge of RF and microwave systems, including link budgets, noise figure, linearity and cascade effects. Confidence defining antenna systems, RF front ends, onboard processors and inter-satellite link architectures. Solid understanding of digital payloads, including DSP, SDR architectures and high-speed data conversion. Comfort making informed trade-offs across performance, SWaP, cost and risk. Familiarity with satellite communication standards such as DVB-S2X, DVB-RCS2 and 3GPP NTN. Ability to work across hardware and software boundaries within complex space systems. Capability to produce clear, structured and verifiable technical documentation. A pragmatic, collaborative approach with a strong sense of accountability. This role will be based in the UK or Spain. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in this location. When applying, please submit your CV in English. Why Open Cosmos? Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe. A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges. A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team. Division CRO Department SATCOM (Broadband and Narrowband) Locations Harwell, UK, Barcelona, Spain Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time About Open Cosmos Open Cosmos is dedicated to solving customer problems with insights from space. Whether this is monitoring agricultural yields, assessing the damage of oil spills or providing navigation solutions, we believe that data from satellites is the most effective and sustainable way of achieving this. Apply for this job CRO · SATCOM (Broadband and Narrowband) · Harwell, UK, Barcelona, Spain · Hybrid Satcom Payload Architect Loading application form Career site Data & privacy Manage cookies Employee login Candidate Connect login Already working at Open Cosmos? Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague. Log in Applicant tracking system by Teamtailor
Location
Didcot, GB
Total raised
$63.0M
Last stage
Growth
Investors
No applications, no recruiter spam. Just the intro.
A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.
I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.
If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.