Sr. Satcom Ground Segment Architect

Job Description

Job Description

SpinLaunch is building Meridian, a next-generation broadband constellation designed to deliver high-capacity, low-latency connectivity to users around the globe. Backed by leading venture capital and engineering partners, we are rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of the satellites and ground systems that will bring Meridian online. Joining the Meridian team means working at the forefront of one of the most ambitious commercial space programs underway today — designing, building, and operating spacecraft that will reshape global connectivity. You'll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, where your work directly advances a constellation that millions will depend on.

Your Mission on the Team:

You will own the end-to-end architecture, design, procurement and test strategy for the ground segment of the Meridian constellation, including:

• Optimizing the ground segment design across performance, cost, reliability, flexibility, and feasibility, leveraging Meridian's unique IP and satcom constellation approach
• Identifying and partnering with vendors and technology providers to deliver the best overall ground segment architecture
• Translating constellation and service level requirements into ground segment requirements, interfaces and verification plans
• Tracking all service applications and ensuring the ground segment design meets requirements across each use case
• Running trade studies on alternative ground segment configurations to identify the optimal fit for the Meridian constellation and/or for specific use cases
• Planning, forecasting, and managing R&D efforts for ground segment technologies
• Developing and overseeing the top-level ground segment verification and validation test plan
• Ensuring procured ground segment equipment meet Meridian’s performance, cost and schedule requirements.
• Working closely with spacecraft, systems and operations teams to validate operation of Merdian’s communications services

Basic Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years professional experience in satcom ground segment, telecom infrastructure, or large-scale network systems design and deployment
• Strong understanding of ground segment architectures, including gateway sites, IP/MPLS networking, fiber backhaul, data center infrastructure, and service management systems
• Experience leading system-level trade studies across performance, cost, reliability, and feasibility
• Experience translating system and service-level requirements into subsystem requirements, interface definitions, and verification plans
• Skill in using and creating software tools to model ground segment and network performance (MATLAB, Python, STK, network simulation tools, etc.)
• Ability to work autonomously and exercise sound engineering judgement
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years professional experience in satellite ground segment, telecom carrier infrastructure, or teleport design and deployment
• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Network Engineering, or related field
• Experience defining and managing vendor relationships for procured ground segment equipment, fiber/transport services, and colocation or data center facilities
• Experience developing and executing ground segment verification and validation test plans
• Familiarity with 5G NTN architectures, 3GPP standards, and integration of cellular core networks (5GC, UPF) with satellite ground systems
• Familiarity with broadband satcom architectures, including LEO constellation tradeoffs, bent-pipe vs. regenerative payloads, and gateway diversity / handover strategies
• Experience with service orchestration, OSS/BSS, network management systems, or carrier-grade service assurance
• Breadth of understanding of spacecraft subsystems and general knowledge of satellite operations

ITAR Requirements

SpinLaunch is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here .

SpinLaunch is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.