Satcom Payload Architect

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.