Skylo · 1 day ago
Space Mission Architect - D2D Communications
Mountain View, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
$206K/yr - $219K/yrSkylo is a global Non-Terrestrial Network service provider based in Mountain View, CA, offering a service that allows smartphone and IoT cellular devices to connect directly over existing satellites. They are seeking a Space Mission Architect to own the end-to-end space segment architecture for their next-generation Direct-to-Device communications system, involving high-level design and detailed integration tasks.
Information TechnologyInternet of ThingsSatellite CommunicationTelecommunicationsWireless
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Architect an advanced D2D communications mission, including constellation geometry, coverage strategies, link budgets, and overall system performance allocations
Define and maintain mission-level requirements, CONOPS, and interfaces across space, ground, and user segments for a dual-use (commercial and government) communications system
Lead constellation-level trade studies (orbit design, platform selection, launch strategy, inter-sat links, spectrum use) to optimize capacity, resiliency, and cost
Drive the architecture, requirements, and integration approach for advanced communications payloads (RF, digital, and associated processing), ensuring they meet mission KPIs
Work closely with spacecraft design and manufacturing teams to ensure the LEO platform supports mission, payload, and production needs at scale
Own end-to-end mission performance modeling and simulation, including link analysis, capacity modeling, and coverage simulations
Partner with ground systems, network, and product teams to translate user-level service requirements into system-level design and test criteria
Support system integration, environmental test campaigns, and on-orbit validation, including troubleshooting and root-cause analysis at the constellation level
Contribute to technical roadmap, proposals, and customer engagements with government and commercial partners, clearly articulating architecture choices and tradeoffs
Champion a 'build fast, learn fast' culture, mentoring engineers and helping establish best practices in mission and systems engineering
Qualification
Required
Significant experience in space mission architecture or space systems engineering, with a focus on LEO communications constellations or similar complex space systems
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field; advanced degree preferred or equivalent experience
Hands‑on experience in spacecraft design and manufacturing, preferably with small satellites or LEO platforms
Direct experience with communications payload development and/or integration (e.g., cellular, broadband, RF, SDR, or similar advanced comms systems)
Strong skills in mission and system‑level modeling and analysis (e.g., link budgets, constellation coverage, performance simulations)
Demonstrated ability to define and manage mission‑level requirements, CONOPS, and interface control across multi‑disciplinary teams
Track record of thriving in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments—self‑starter, comfortable taking ownership and driving decisions with imperfect information
Excellent communication skills, able to work across hardware, software, product, and business stakeholders
U.S. person (citizen or permanent resident) required due to export control and government customer requirements
Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a TS‑level clearance
Preferred
Advanced degree preferred or equivalent experience
Benefits
Competitive compensation packages including a stock option based equity program
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan
Monthly allowances for wellness and education reimbursement
A generous time off policy, holidays, and the opportunity to temporarily work abroad
Once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of developing and running world’s first commercial, live direct-to-device satellite network and service
Access to world-class team and talent across tech domains: software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite and network virtualization
Open, transparent, inclusive culture that blends the Silicon Valley, Nordic and South Asia characteristics
Company
Skylo
Skylo is a global non-terrestrial service provider that allows smartphone and IoT cellular devices to connect directly over satellites.
Founded in 2017
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$183MKey Investors
NGP CapitalInnovation Endeavors,Intel CapitalSoftBank
2025-02-27Series Unknown· $30M
2024-02-13Series C· $37M
2020-01-21Series B· $103M
Leadership Team
Andrew Kalman
Co-Founder & Hub Architect
Andrew Nuttall
CTO and Co-Founder
Recent News
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2026-01-02
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2025-12-28
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