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Logos Space · 6 days ago

Lead, Satellite Optical Payload Engineering

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

5+ years exp

Logos Space is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite system dedicated to providing high-performance connectivity services. The Optical Payload team lead will oversee the specification, integration, and testing of advanced optical payloads for satellite missions, ensuring the success of the network through innovative engineering solutions.

Business Information SystemsCloud ComputingEnterpriseSatellite CommunicationTelecommunications

Responsibilities

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

Qualification

Optical communicationsOptical payload integrationHigh-speed inter-satellite linksOptical time transferLaser ranging systemsOptical systems designHigh-data-rate communicationSupplier managementModelingSimulation toolsTeam leadershipProject managementTechnical documentationOral communicationWritten communication

Required

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

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