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Logos Space

Lead, Satellite Optical Payload Engineering

Logos Space, San Diego, California, United States, 92189

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Lead, Satellite Optical Payload Engineering

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Logos Space .

Logos Space is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite system purpose‑built to serve the connectivity needs of commercial enterprise and government users. We provide resilient, high‑performance satellite‑based connectivity services worldwide, delivering broadband to fixed, seaborne, and airborne terminals. Our systems extend cloud and data‑center network connectivity everywhere, ensuring speed and reliability for mission‑critical applications.

Position Summary & Responsibilities The Optical Payload team lead at Logos Space will spearhead the specification, integration, and testing of advanced optical payloads for our satellite missions. This role drives the development of in‑space intersatellite networks, precision time‑transfer, and ranging systems. The engineer will also develop necessary facilities and ground support equipment.

Build and manage a team focused on OISL applications and system integration for large‑scale manufacturing.

Oversee optical payload operations, balancing cost, schedule, and performance in a dynamic startup environment.

Lead end‑to‑end development of satellite optical payloads – from specification through in‑orbit commissioning.

Define optical payload specifications and oversee procurement and evaluation of optical inter‑satellite links, time transfer, and laser‑based ranging systems.

Ensure high‑bandwidth (100 Gbps+) OISL performance with robust pointing accuracy and link stability.

Direct development of high‑precision optical time‑transfer systems for constellation synchronization.

Guide laser‑based ranging payloads for precise orbit determination.

Mentor engineers, setting technical direction and performance expectations.

Collaborate with systems engineering, spacecraft bus, ground segment, and program management teams.

Manage supplier selection, technical oversight, and procurement for critical optical components.

Control payload budgets, schedules, and resource allocations.

Lead technical reviews, risk management, anomaly investigations, and resolve payload‑related challenges.

Stay current with industry trends and emerging optical technologies.

Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and briefings to stakeholders and partners.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or STEM, with extensive OISL and optical systems design experience.

Master’s degree in the same fields, with comparable experience.

Proven experience managing technical teams.

Minimum 5 years in optical system design, development, and testing, with at least 2 years focused on space applications.

Experience with high‑data‑rate optical communications (e.g., free‑space optical, OISL).

Deep understanding of optical principles, laser systems, photodetectors, and PAT systems.

Full product life‑cycle experience from concept to deployment in a team setting.

Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills, coupled with leadership capability.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or STEM.

Direct design or development experience for optical time‑transfer or laser‑ranging in space.

Hands‑on integration and testing of satellite payloads.

Knowledge of space environmental mitigation (radiation, thermal vacuum).

Proficiency with optical modeling tools (Zemax, Code V, MATLAB).

Familiarity with optical communication protocols and standards (e.g., SDA OCT).

Experience managing subcontractors and suppliers for space hardware.

Equal Opportunity Statement Logos Space Services is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering creativity, curiosity, and diverse perspectives among employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. Offers are contingent on the candidate’s ability to access export‑controlled information under U.S. law.

Additional Information Location: Poway, CA Compensation: $105,000 – $125,000 per year

Restrictions: This position is not closed; applications are currently open.

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