Lead, Satellite Optical Payload Engineering

Department: Engineering

Location: Mountain View or San Diego

Compensation: $180K – $240K • Your level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Employment Type: FullTime

Logos Space is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite system purpose-built to serve the connectivity needs of the commercial enterprise users and government users. We will help fill an important gap in the market, providing resilient, high-performance satellite-based connectivity services to enterprise and government customers worldwide. Business customers have contracts with agreed-upon performance standards for their broadband, and Logos will build these capabilities into the system from the beginning. Speed and reliability are the foundation of the system. Logos is designed to extend cloud and data center network connectivity anywhere in the world to fixed, seaborne, and airborne terminals.

Logos is led by a team of highly experienced engineers with proven track records in the networking and satellite industries.

Position Summary & Responsibilities

The Optical Payload team lead at Logos Space to spearhead the specification, integration, and testing of advanced optical payloads for our satellite missions. Optical Payload engineering is responsible for ensuring the success of our network via providing both the in-space intersatellite network terminal and precision time-transfer/position capabilities. The development of suitable facilities and the required ground support equipment also falls within the purview of the optical payload team.

The role may include leading the design and development of specific subsystems not available for procurement. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in optical communications, precise timing, and ranging systems, coupled with proven leadership abilities. This role is critical in defining and executing the technical roadmap for our cutting-edge optical payload technologies, including high-speed inter-satellite links, optical time transfer, and laser ranging systems.

You should be prepared to work and thrive in a fast moving environment where you are comfortable taking vague design ideas and turning them into tangible hardware ready for test and flight. We are seeking engineers who love to solve hard problems!

The full responsibilities include:

• Building a team that spans from technology development of OISL applications and associated technology, integration of internally and externally developed systems, and at-scale manufacturing of integrated capabilities.

• Managing all operations of the optical payload including cost, schedule, and performance within a highly dynamic startup environment.

• Lead the end-to-end development lifecycle of satellite optical payloads, from specification definition through detailed design, analysis, manufacturing, integration, testing, and in-orbit commissioning. This will include both procurement or construction of various systems and subsystems.

• Responsible for the overall advanced optical payload specification, integration, and evaluation of the optical payloads: optical intersatellite link (OISL), optical-based time transfer, optical ranging and satellite position measurements

• Oversee the architecture, procurement, and integration of high-bandwidth (100 Gbps and beyond) Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISL), ensuring robust performance, pointing accuracy, and link stability.

• Direct the development and/or integration of high-precision optical time transfer systems for synchronization across the satellite constellation and ground segments.

• Guide the design and validation of laser-based ranging payloads for precise orbit determination.

• Manage a team of engineers and technicians, providing technical direction, mentorship, and performance management.

• Collaborate closely with systems engineering, spacecraft bus teams, ground segment developers, and program management to ensure payload compatibility and mission success.

• Oversee supplier selection, management, and technical oversight for critical optical components and subsystems.

• Develop and manage payload development budgets, schedules, and resource allocation.

• Lead technical reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR), anomaly investigations, and risk management activities related to optical payloads.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and potential advancements in space-based optical systems.

• Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and briefings to internal stakeholders and external partners/customers.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) with extensive experience in OISL and optical systems design, construction, and analysis work experience; or

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) with experience in OISL and optical systems design, construction, and analysis work experience; or

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing technical teams

• Demonstrated experience in operations within a product-oriented development environment Minimum of 5 years of experience in the design, development, and testing of optical systems, with at least 2 years focused on space-based applications.

• Demonstrated experience with high-data-rate optical communication systems (e.g., free-space optical communications, OISL).

• Strong understanding of optical principles, laser systems, photodetectors, pointing/acquisition/tracking (PAT) systems, and optical link budgets.

• Proven track record of working with software or hardware systems through the entire product life cycle. Starting from conceptual designs and trade-offs through detailed design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing, deployment, and operations in a team setting.

• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills - We are looking for leader

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) with relevant optical system and communications design and analysis work experience

• Direct experience designing or developing systems for optical time transfer or laser ranging in a space environment.

• Hands-on experience with the integration and testing of satellite payloads.

• Familiarity with space environmental factors and mitigation techniques (radiation, thermal vacuum).

• Experience with modeling and simulation tools for optical systems (e.g., Zemax, Code V, MATLAB).

• Knowledge of relevant optical communication protocols and standards (e.g. SDA OCT standard).

• Experience managing subcontractors and suppliers for space hardware.‍

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Logos Space Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering creativity, curiosity and diverse perspectives among employees. We seek to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one's employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination. Offers will be contingent on the candidate's ability to access export-controlled information under U.S. law.