Payload Architect (Analog & Digital Payloads)

TL;DR

Payload Architect (Analog & Digital Payloads): Designing and developing analog and digital telecom payloads for LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits with an accent on high-frequency and antenna technology. Focus on link budget analyses, developing new payload approaches, and supporting environmental testing and in-orbit RF tests.

Location: Onsite in Bremen, Germany

Company

hirify.global is a leading European space company specializing in high-tech solutions for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, science, and space exploration.

What you will do

• Contribute technical expertise to offers and develop innovative payload solutions for telecom missions.
• Conduct comprehensive link budget analyses and design analog and digital payloads according to customer specifications.
• Manage the full lifecycle documentation (phases 0-E) and support unit reviews and subsystem interfaces.
• Prepare and execute critical project reviews (PDRs, CDRs) and oversee environmental and compatibility tests.
• Plan and execute In-Orbit Test (IOT) RF tests and manage payload RF settings.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for the payload throughout the satellite's operational lifetime.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in RF or communication engineering, antenna engineering, electrotechnic-engineering, or equivalent qualification.
• Understanding of high-frequency technology (TWTs, LNAs, filters, converters in the frequency bands of P- up to Q/V-Band).
• Skills in digital communications engineering, modern SDR technologies & in the field of digital antenna beamforming.
• Knowledge of current standards (DVB-S, DVB-S2 RCS) and interest in future standards such as 5G/6G.
• Initial experience with digital payloads & digital beamforming.
• Strong knowledge in English is required; German is a plus.

Nice to have

• Experience in the field of optical communications technology (ISL terminals).
• Work experience in systems engineering.

Culture & Benefits

• Become part of an international team.
• Opportunity for professional and personal development.

Hiring process

• Applications are accepted in German or English via the online tool.