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Satcom Payload Architect

Hybrid in Barcelona·Added 9 months ago (last checked 22 Oct)

Open Cosmos

33 open roles

Our summary

Work mode
Hybrid, Barcelona
English
Required

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    Per the ad: “To apply, you must have the legal right to work in this location.”

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • 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.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

  • 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.

The role

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...

What you'll do

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.

About Open Cosmos

Open Cosmos is a space technology company that designs, builds, and operates satellites and space missions. The company provides end-to-end solutions for space missions, from satellite design and manufacturing to launch and operations, serving clients in the Earth observation and communications sectors. They are known for their 'smallsat' missions and their focus on making space more accessible and affordable.

Open Cosmos has a growing presence in Spain, with offices in Barcelona and a team of engineers and scientists working on various space projects. The company's work culture is international and collaborative, with English as the working language, making it an attractive destination for international professionals. They offer a range of roles from engineering to operations, and their Spain-based positions are part of a global effort to advance space technology.

Industry
Space Tech
Founded
2015
Employees
100–250
Headquarters
Harwell, UK
In Spain
Barcelona

Good to know if you are moving

  • The company's working language is English, making it accessible for international professionals.
  • Open Cosmos has a strong presence in Barcelona, Spain, which is a major hub for their space engineering and data operations.
  • They offer a range of technical roles, from engineering to software development, which are well-suited for international talent.
  • The company is actively growing its Spain operations, indicating potential for career growth in the region.
  • They are involved in the growing small satellite market, a sector with increasing global relevance.

In their own words

About the company & 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.

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