Lead, Satellite Optical Payload Engineering Verified today

About Logos Space

Logos Space is building a Low Earth Orbit satellite system for enterprise and government connectivity. The system extends cloud and data center network connectivity worldwide to fixed, seaborne, and airborne terminals, with speed and reliability as core design principles.

The Role

You will lead Logos Space's Optical Payload team, responsible for the specification, integration, and testing of advanced optical payloads that enable the satellite constellation's intersatellite network, precision timing, and ranging capabilities. This is a critical technical and leadership position defining the roadmap for high-speed inter-satellite links, optical time transfer, and laser ranging systems.

You will work in a fast-moving startup environment, turning vague design ideas into tangible flight-ready hardware. This role requires deep technical expertise in optical communications, precise timing, and ranging systems, combined with proven leadership abilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead a team spanning technology development, integration of internal and external systems, and manufacturing of optical payload capabilities
• Manage optical payload cost, schedule, and performance in a dynamic startup environment
• Lead end-to-end development lifecycle: specification, design, analysis, manufacturing, integration, testing, and in-orbit commissioning
• Own specification and evaluation of optical intersatellite links (OISL), optical time transfer, and optical ranging systems
• Oversee architecture, procurement, and integration of high-bandwidth (100 Gbps and beyond) Optical Inter-Satellite Links with robust performance and pointing accuracy
• Direct development and integration of high-precision optical time transfer systems for constellation and ground synchronization
• Guide design and validation of laser-based ranging payloads for precise orbit determination
• Manage team of engineers and technicians with technical direction, mentorship, and performance oversight
• Collaborate with systems engineering, spacecraft bus, ground segment, and program management teams
• Oversee supplier selection, management, and technical oversight for critical optical components
• Develop and manage payload budgets, schedules, and resource allocation
• Lead technical reviews (PDR, CDR), anomaly investigations, and risk management
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies in space-based optical systems
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and briefings for internal and external stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or STEM field with extensive experience in OISL and optical systems design, construction, and analysis; OR Master's degree in related field with OISL and optical systems experience
• Minimum 5 years experience in design, development, and testing of optical systems, with at least 2 years in space-based applications
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing technical teams
• Demonstrated experience in product-oriented development environments
• Demonstrated experience with high-data-rate optical communication systems (free-space optical, OISL)
• Strong understanding of optical principles, laser systems, photodetectors, pointing/acquisition/tracking (PAT) systems, and optical link budgets
• Proven track record working with hardware systems through entire product lifecycle: conceptual design, detailed design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing, deployment, and operations
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or STEM field with relevant optical system and communications design experience
• Direct experience designing or developing optical time transfer or laser ranging systems in space environments
• Hands-on experience integrating and testing satellite payloads
• Familiarity with space environmental factors and mitigation (radiation, thermal vacuum)
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools for optical systems (Zemax, Code V, MATLAB)
• Knowledge of optical communication protocols and standards (e.g. SDA OCT standard)
• Experience managing subcontractors and suppliers for space hardware

Export Control

Offers are contingent on candidate's ability to access export-controlled information under U.S. law.