Systems Engineering Architect
Terran Orbital · Irvine, CA ·
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- Architecture
- Experience
- 12+ years
- Salary
- USD 200,000 – 255,000 / year
Senior technical leader at a satellite manufacturer who defines spacecraft system architectures and technology roadmaps, leads analyses of alternatives, and oversees integration of avionics, power, propulsion, security, communications, and navigation subsystems from concept through deployment for defense and commercial space missions.
Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!
Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Architect to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the VP, Engineering, the Systems Engineering Architect will lead the design and integration of advanced space satellite architectures. This role requires deep expertise across avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer architecture, communications, and navigation, with a proven ability to architect complex “systems of systems” that enable next-generation orbital mobility, secure communications, and resilient mission operations. As a senior technical leader, you will define technology roadmaps, lead analysis of alternatives, and oversee the integration of multi-domain subsystems into cohesive spacecraft architectures. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, government stakeholders, and industry partners to deliver breakthrough satellite capabilities on schedule and within budget.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Define and implement spacecraft system architecture roadmaps aligned with mission objectives.
- Lead Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to evaluate avionics, power, propulsion, communication, and navigation solutions.
- Establish technical standards and architectures that support interoperability across platforms.
- Architect end-to-end satellite solutions spanning avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer systems, communications, and navigation.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams in subsystem design, integration, and qualification.
- Champion innovative approaches to increase performance, reduce costs, and accelerate development cycles.
- Oversee execution of spacecraft architecture projects from concept through deployment.
- Establish and maintain technical performance metrics, schedules, and budgets.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and mission operations to ensure seamless integration.
- Mentor and lead engineering teams, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
- Partner with vehicle engineering, mission architecture, and external stakeholders to deliver effective solutions.
- Represent the company in industry forums, standards bodies, and with government partners.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 12+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering and architecture.
- Demonstrated expertise across avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer architecture, communications, and navigation subsystems.
- Proven track record architecting complex “systems of systems” for space missions.
- Strong background in RF communications, SDRs, antennas, DSP, and navigation algorithms.
- Experience developing technology roadmaps and leading AoA for complex technical systems.
- Knowledge of spacecraft integration, verification, and environmental qualification.
- Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
- Experience with deep space communications, inter-satellite links, and ground station networks.
- Knowledge of secure computing architectures and regulatory spectrum management.
- Background in digital signal processing algorithms and advanced communications theory.
- Experience working with NASA, DoD, or other government partners on spacecraft systems.
- Track record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, or successful technology transitions.
Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!
Full-time positions only:
Benefits
- 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Match
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Education Reimbursement
- Competitive Paid Parental Leave
About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.
Work Environment
The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.
Disclaimers
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.
Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].
Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.
And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.