Solutions Architect - Skylo Government Systems

The world still has coverage blind spots. You could help eliminate them at Skylo.Skylo has pioneered a standards-based approach to satellite connectivity. We connect smartphones and IoT devices directly to satellites. No special hardware, no entirely new networks. Just billions of existing devices, suddenly reachable anywhere on Earth. We're not building toward this future. We're already in it.Our direct-to-device service is live on millions of activated devices across five continents, covering more than 72 million square kilometers, in partnership with leading satellite operators, mobile network operators, Tier-1 chipset makers, and OEMs worldwide. And we're just getting started.At the heart of it all is Skylo's commercial NTN vRAN: a 3GPP standards-based, cloud-native platform that seamlessly bridges terrestrial and satellite networks. It's the infrastructure that makes true anywhere, anytime connectivity possible.When you join Skylo, you'll work at the intersection of three markets reshaping how the world stays connected: mass-market consumer devices, automotive, and industrial IoT. Enabling people outdoors and critical workflows in the world's most remote places.This is a rare chance to work on technology that matters, at a company that's already proving it worksAbout Skylo Technologies & Skylo Government SystemsSkylo Technologies is pioneering a historic technological shift: connecting standard, unmodified mobile devices and software-defined payloads directly to space networks. By deploying global 3GPP Release 17 Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards across satellite constellations, we have turned space into a seamless extension of terrestrial cellular networks.Skylo Government Systems (SGS) is our dedicated defense and national security business unit. We take Skylo’s commercial Direct-to-Device (D2D) framework and tailor it for mission-critical applications across the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), Special Operations Forces (SOF), and allied international partners. When operations go off-grid, into contested electromagnetic environments, or deep into austere combat zones, Skylo ensures warfighters, operators, and intelligence assets never lose signal.The OpportunityWe are looking for a high-impact Solutions Architect to join Skylo Government Systems. This is a rare, force-multiplier role positioned at the dynamic intersection of business development, executive P&L leadership, and core engineering.As the primary technical bridge between customer requirements and Skylo’s product roadmap, you will translate complex mission needs—spanning tactical communications, covert operations, and hybrid resilient architectures—into operational capabilities. You will work alongside defense leaders, international allies, and world-class satellite/cellular architects to deploy direct-to-device communications at a global scale during a pivotal era of growth.What You'll DoBridge Mission & Engineering: Act as the primary technical interface between SGS Business Development / P&L leadership and Skylo’s core RAN, Core Network, and Hardware engineering teams. Translate mission-level user stories into technical system architectures and engineering product backlogs.Architect Hybrid & Resilient Networks: Design end-to-end architectures integrating 3GPP NTN standards (NB-IoT/5G NR) with legacy defense networks, satellite constellations (GEO/MEO/LEO), and tactical cellular edge nodes.Support Mission-Critical Use Cases: Create custom solutions for tactical, covert, and low-probability-of-intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications tailored for Special Operations, IC collectors, and warfighters operating in denied environments.Apply Advanced Security Architecture: Implement modern encryption techniques (Suite B, CSfC, Zero Trust, quantum-resistant overlay algorithms) to secure payload data across untrusted satellite links and commercial roaming interfaces.Lead Technical Capture & Customer Engagements: Own the technical narrative for high-value government proposals, RFI/RFP responses, prototype demonstrations, and field trials across the DoD, IC, Interagency, and international partners.Device & Chipset Integration: Advise defense customers on integrating Skylo-enabled modems, commercial smartphones, tactical wearables, and autonomous uncrewed systems into mission platforms.QualificationsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.Communications Theory & DSP: Strong foundation in communications theory, digital signal processing (DSP) fundamentals, RF link budgets, and wave propagation.Mobile Communications & Device Technologies: Hands-on understanding of mobile devices, chipset integration, and cellular protocol stacks (3GPP 4G/5G, gNodeB/vRAN architectures).Satellite Technologies: In-depth knowledge of satellite communications (SATCOM) architectures (GEO, LEO, MSS bands) and satellite payload capabilities.Government Mission Experience: Strong understanding of national security use cases, tactical communications systems (e.g., C5ISR, MANET, tactical radios), and covert/expeditionary operational constraints.Advanced Encryption & Networking: Practical understanding of hybrid networking architectures, government cybersecurity frameworks, modern network security architectures, NSA Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC), end-to-end payload encryption, and VPN/overlay protocols.Client-Facing Impact: Ability to brief military officers, intelligence leaders, and program managers while maintaining deep credibility with hands-on systems engineers.Preferred Qualifications3GPP NTN Knowledge: Familiarity with 3GPP Release 17/18 NTN standards (NB-NTN, NR-NTN).Defense Programs Background: Experience working on Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives, USSOCOM acquisition programs, or space communications modernization.Field Testing & Execution: Hands-on experience executing field trials, tactical RF measurements, or quick-reaction capability (QRC) prototyping in military environments.Security Clearance RequirementsClearance Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen. Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance as required by customer programs.Background Investigation: Position requires submission to a background investigation and meeting federal eligibility requirements for access to classified national security information.Ongoing Compliance: Continued employment in this role is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to successfully obtain and maintain the required security clearance over time.What We OfferWith employees working across three continents, Skylo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Our worldwide culture encourages a flexible approach to work, and we offer an attractive range of benefits:Competitive compensation packages including a stock option-based equity programComprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement planMonthly allowances for wellness and education reimbursementA generous time-off policy, holidays, and the opportunity to temporarily work abroadA once-in-a-career opportunity to operate the world's first commercial, live direct-to-device satellite networkAccess to a world-class team across software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite, and network virtualizationOpen, transparent, inclusive culture that blends Silicon Valley, Nordic, and South Asia characteristicsThe estimated base salary range for this role is $145,000 — $155,000. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant training. In addition to base salary, Skylo offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and equity options.EEO StatementSkylo is an equal-opportunity employer and we celebrate diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, parent or caregiver status, political affiliation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. Please let us know if you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability.LocationMountain View, CAEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeHybridDepartmentEngineeringSpace Network