Payload Architect for Digital Payloads

Payload Architect for Digital Payloads

Job Overview

We are supporting a leading European space systems manufacturer in the recruitment of an expert Payload Architect for Digital Payloads in Bremen, Germany. Driven by rapid program growth across national, institutional, and commercial satellite programs, this role sits within the Digital Telecommunications Payload organization. You will take technical ownership of the architecture, design, and qualification of advanced digital telecom payloads, working extensively with active antennas, beamforming systems, and next-generation onboard processing technologies.

Location & Work Mode

• City: Bremen
• Country: Germany
• Work Mode: On-site / Hybrid (Based out of a premier satellite design and manufacturing facility).

Your Role & Responsibilities

• Architectural Design: Define, architect, and develop next-generation digital telecommunication payload systems from early-phase conceptual studies through to Phase C/D manufacturing and qualification.
• Proposal & Bid Management: Lead technical contributions, feasibility assessments, and system modeling for high-value national and international space project proposals.
• RF & Performance Analysis: Execute advanced high-frequency and payload performance analyses, managing link budgets, antenna performance variations, frequency coordination, and routing maps.
• Supplier Coordination: Act as the primary technical coordinator for payload suppliers, reviewing and assessing both active and passive RF/microwave hardware components.
• Testing & Verification: Define, execute, and evaluate payload verification campaigns throughout the system lifecycle. This includes:
  • Ground Testing: Integrated Functional Tests (IFT), Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), Compact Antenna Test Ranges (CATR), and Final Functional Tests (FFT).
  • In-Orbit Testing (IOT): Post-launch validation and system calibration.
• Milestone Reviews: Lead or drive active technical participation in payload Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and system-level customer audits.
• Security & Defense: Integrate critical secure communication features into design layers, covering anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies.

Your Qualifications

• Education: University degree in Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Microwave Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline.
• Industry Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of hand-on professional experience within the aerospace, satellite manufacturing, or defense space sectors.
• RF Expertise: A rock-solid foundational background in high-frequency/RF technologies, microwave hardware, and active antenna systems (including electronic beamforming).
• On-Board Processing: Clear knowledge of digital signal routing, multiplexing, and on-board processing (OBP) technologies.
• Telecom Standards: Foundational familiarity with space transmission standards such as DVB-S2X / RCS2 .
• Next-Gen Standards (Strong Plus): Exposure to 5G / 6G non-terrestrial network (NTN) mobile communications architectures and related network protocols is highly desirable.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional organizational habits, strong communication skills, and complete comfort working inside multidisciplinary, international engineering teams.

Languages Required

• English: Full professional written and verbal fluency is required to act as the primary engineering interface for international partners, institutional customers, and suppliers.

Salary & Benefits

• Base Salary: €70,000 – €100,000 per year (competitively matched to technical expertise and specific program alignment).
• Environment: Deep exposure to cutting-edge European Space Agency (ESA) telecom initiatives and highly visible national defense missions.
• Career Growth: Unmatched structural career progression pathways into principal engineering, payload system management, or technical program leadership.