Principal RF Payload Lead Engineer

Skylo is hiring a Principal RF Payload Lead Engineer, who will be responsible for the end-to-end architecture, design, development, and on-orbit performance of advanced RF communications payloads enabling direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity from LEO spacecraft. The Principal RF Payload Lead owns the complete technical solution—from requirements definition and system architecture through hardware delivery, integration, testing, and mission operations support—of a space-qualified phased-array payload integrated with cellular networks and deployed at constellation scale.

Define and own the RF payload architecture for direct-to-device services on LEO spacecraft, including phased-array antennas, RF front ends, frequency planning, and waveform selection aligned with cellular standards.

Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of phased-array antennas (e.g., electronically steered arrays) for LEO missions, including beam forming strategies, scan performance, EIRP/G/T, ground coverage optimization, and handover considerations.

Own end-to-end RF and communications link design for LEO space-to-ground cellular connectivity, including link budgets, modulation and coding schemes, Doppler impacts, interference analysis, and regulatory considerations.

Define and manage RF payload interfaces with the spacecraft bus, including power, thermal, structural, EMI/EMC, data interfaces, and command and telemetry.

Lead payload-level integration and test, including functional testing, RF performance verification, over-the-air testing of phased arrays, and environmental qualification for launch and the LEO space environment.

Collaborate closely with cellular RAN and core network teams to ensure compatibility with 3GPP and related standards, including protocol behavior over LEO satellite links and integration with terrestrial networks.

Develop and maintain requirements, specifications, and interface control documents (ICDs) for RF payload subsystems and suppliers; lead technical trade studies and formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).

Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams (RF, antennas, digital, baseband, and software) and manage external vendors delivering RF and phased-array hardware.

Support mission operations and constellation deployment, including payload checkout, on-orbit commissioning, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting of RF and communications anomalies.

Prior experience on direct-to-device LEO satellite programs or 3GPP NTN-based systems.

Proven track record leading complex technical teams delivering RF payload or communications hardware for on-orbit LEO missions.

Strong understanding of space systems engineering practices applicable to LEO programs, including configuration management, risk management, and verification and validation of flight hardware.

Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one, as required by program needs.

The compensation range for this position is: $255,000 - $270,000. This range reflects the low and high end of the range Skylo reasonably and generally expects to pay the hired candidate in this role.

EEO Statement Skylo is an equal-opportunity employer and we celebrate diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, parent or caregiver status, political affiliation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Please let us know if you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability.