Senior Satellite Systems Designer - Payload Lead (Contingent)

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 7+ years of experience in systems engineering, spacecraft development, payload engineering, mission systems engineering, or a similar technical leadership role
• First-hand experience with payload-level engineering, accommodation, integration, verification, or operations planning for space systems or complex mission instrumentation
• Experience with one or more payload domains such as optical payloads, RF payloads, SIGINT payloads, radar systems, remote sensing instruments, communications payloads, or related sensor systems
• Strong understanding of payload-to-spacecraft interfaces and their impact on spacecraft design, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, data, RF , software, command and telemetry, ground, and operational interfaces
• Experience working with external suppliers, customers, or partners in a technical interface role, including coordination of technical deliverables, supplier inputs, test plans, interface documentation, and compliance evidence
• Experience developing or reviewing requirements, ICDs, CONOPS , verification plans, test procedures, compliance matrices, and technical documentation
• Strong mission analysis capability, including operational scenario development, coverage analysis, duty-cycle analysis, and translation of payload operations into power, thermal, data, pointing, downlink, and mission performance impacts
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to leverage AI-assisted engineering and development tools to improve productivity, design quality, and innovation while adapting to evolving technologies and best practices
• Experience supporting payload integration and test activities, including incoming inspection, functional testing, interface validation, anomaly resolution, verification evidence review, and system validation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve ambiguity and drive technical closure across internal and external teams
• Effective communicator with the ability to present complex payload, mission, and system-level topics to technical teams, customers, suppliers, and program stakeholders
• Ability to balance technical rigor with practical program constraints, including cost, schedule, risk, supplier readiness, and mission assurance

Benefits

Additional Information

At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - we're leading it! Our mission is to provide real-time Internet access for space-based assets, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we're committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact. If you're ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler!

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