Chief Architect - Optical Communication Terminals

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Chief Architect to join our team. This position reports directly to Skyloom's VP of Engineering as a member of the Engineering & Operations leadership team. As Chief Architect, you will lead the architecture, design, and development of next-generation Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs) for government and commercial space applications. You will drive system architecture, optimize end-to-end optical communication performance, and contribute to innovation in areas including free-space optical communications, adaptive optics, beam steering, and laser propagation.

Responsibilities

Lead engineering activities for an optical communications payload from concept through launch; Define, analyze, and validate system and subsystem requirements for space environments; Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop integrated communication solutions, focusing on system architecture, performance, and reliability; Derive quantified requirements for optical communication terminals using analytical techniques, numerical modeling, and bench-top testing; Conduct hardware/software validation of optical communication systems and subsystems; Provide technical support for integration and troubleshooting of optical systems and develop root cause analysis for products exhibiting non-conformances in the optics subsystem; Analyze large amounts of laboratory data for validation and improvement purposes; Provide clear and rigorous presentations/reports on the subjects listed above, effectively communicating with a broad range of cross-functional teams; Own critical design review processes, ensuring quality, completeness, and compliance; Lead system-level test planning, verification, and compliance analysis; Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams (RF, software, FPGA, integration, quality, operations); Present program updates and technical solutions to internal/external stakeholders; Mentor and support team members within a collaborative engineering environment; Possess excellent communication skills to convey technical concepts clearly and efficiently across a range of subject areas, engaging with management, peers, and suppliers; Organize and deliver assigned projects independently according to the project schedule; Demonstrate enthusiasm for working on multiple projects simultaneously in a self-directed manner, thriving in a fast-paced, multi-cultural startup environment

Requirements

10+ years of experience designing and developing Free Space Optical (FSO) communication systems or Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs); Demonstrated experience in optical system design, modeling, and validation; Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience; Practical experience with fiber optic and free-space optics laboratory setups; Familiarity with relevant communication standards and coding techniques; Strong understanding of wavefront errors, SNR, BER, and link budgets; Strong analytical skills for building models and solving complex problems; Experience with optical simulation/modelling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, Python); Knowledge of adaptive optics, beam steering, Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT), and pointing error impacts; Team player with strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team; Knowledge in the development of space optical instruments, especially in the field of telescopes, spectrometers, and interferometers within an industrial or scientific environment; Strong quantitative data analysis abilities using tools such as Matlab, Python, or equivalent; Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Nice to have

Space-flight industry experience; Laser Safety knowledge; Experience transitioning an optical product into production; Direct experience with Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs) and high-speed optical communication systems, including 100 Gbps LEO optical networks; Spanish speaking is a plus

Benefits

Bonus; Equity; Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans; Matching 401(k); Unlimited PTO and paid holidays; Parental/adoption leave; Legal insurance; Home technology stipend