Staff Architect, Onboard Compute Architecture (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Staff Architect, Onboard Compute Architecture (FPGA/GPU/CPU): Define and evolve a modular, mission-flexible onboard high-performance computing platform for LEO spacecraft with an accent on heterogeneous compute, onboard networking, and reusable mission architectures. Focus on aligning hardware, firmware, and software decisions, designing real-time data flows and processing pipelines, and translating future mission requirements into an executable technical roadmap.

Location: Hybrid role requiring on-site work in San Jose, California three days per week. Access to export-controlled information requires U.S. person status, authorization without an export license, or eligibility and reasonable likelihood of obtaining the required export authorization.

Salary: $210,000–$234,000 per year, plus equity and benefits.

Company

End-to-end space systems provider designing, building, and operating LEO satellite constellations for mission-critical Earth intelligence and remote sensing.

What you will do

• Own the architecture process for the onboard high-performance computing platform, including decision-making, documentation, and ratification.
• Unify FPGA, GPU, CPU, and onboard networking concepts into a coherent company-wide architecture.
• Gather requirements from payload, mission operations, program management, and future mission concepts to define the compute roadmap.
• Drive agreement on data flows, processing pipelines, compute partitioning, and modular mission-specific configurations.
• Partner with electrical engineering to ensure architecture decisions can be implemented in silicon, PCBs, and harnesses.
• Communicate architecture through diagrams, design documents, white papers, and technical presentations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, plus 7+ years of system-level or compute-platform architecture experience.
• Experience architecting heterogeneous systems combining FPGA, GPU, and CPU components, preferably in embedded, aerospace, or high-performance edge environments.
• Deep knowledge of onboard networking and data-flow architectures, including Ethernet fabrics, DMA, zero-copy, and real-time streaming pipelines.
• Experience building cross-team architectural consensus across hardware, firmware, and software disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.
• Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, with eligibility to access export-controlled information under applicable U.S. regulations.

Nice to have

• Experience with spacecraft avionics, payload compute, or space-grade FPGA/GPU platforms.
• Familiarity with Ethernet and SpaceWire standards relevant to space systems.
• Experience defining modular, mission-configurable compute platforms or product families.
• Background in safety-critical or mission-critical development processes.
• Authorship of architectural white papers or public technical publications.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time employment with equity compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan, disability coverage, and life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid vacation for new employees, 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time, and paid parental leave.
• Diverse and inclusive workplace with reasonable accommodation support during hiring.