Chief Architect, Optical Communications

Chief Architect – Optical Communication TerminalsLocation: Broomfield, Colorado preferred / HybridCompensation: Approximately 200,000 USD base plus significant RSUsUS Person RequiredDarwin Space are partnered with an exciting space communications company who are building next generation optical communication infrastructure for space. They are now hiring a Chief Architect for Optical Communication Terminals, a pivotal hire that sits directly under the VP of Engineering and is considered part of the long term succession plan for future technical leadership.This is a high impact role for someone who has already delivered free space optical communication systems in space and wants to help define how the next generation of optical networks are built and scaled. The organisation has already proven the direction and is now focused on execution, scaling and delivering production grade systems into orbit.They are looking for someone with deep expertise across the full spectrum of space based optical communications, including LEO to LEO, LEO to MEO, MEO to GEO and GEO to ground links.Role OverviewThe Chief Architect will own system level architecture for optical communication terminals, leading programs from concept through design, validation and production readiness. This includes defining system requirements, leading modelling and simulation, owning link performance and guiding hardware development through major milestones such as PDR, CDR and manufacturing readiness.You will work across optics, software, electrical, mechanical and integration teams, ensuring all subsystems align to mission requirements. This is a true end to end systems role with ownership across design, lab work, test and production.This role requires someone comfortable equally in design reviews, on the production floor, and in the lab running experiments.Key ResponsibilitiesSystem Architecture and LeadershipDefine and own architecture for optical communication terminalsLead system level requirements, link budgets and performance modellingDrive development from concept to high TRL production systemsOptical Communication PerformanceDesign and optimise high data rate optical links up to 100 to 400 Gbps over long distance links exceeding 10,000 kmSolve challenges in coherent detection, fiber coupling and system efficiencyAnalyse wavefront error, SNR, BER and full system performanceCross Functional IntegrationWork across optical, electrical, software, FPGA and mechanical teamsEnsure full system alignment from mission requirements through to productionLead design reviews and act as technical authority across disciplinesTest, Validation and ExperimentationLead system validation, test campaigns and critical experimentsDrive iterative design in a build fast, test fast, improve fast environmentSupport hardware integration and production scalingTechnical Leadership and GrowthMentor engineers and build senior technical capability across the teamAct as a go to technical authority within the organisationSupport long term roadmap development and scaling of optical productsIdeal Candidate ProfileThey are looking for someone who has:Strong experience in space based free space optical communication systemsDelivered optical communication terminals through to completion and high TRLWorked on coherent laser communication links and high data rate systemsExperience solving real world challenges around fiber coupling, atmospheric effects and long range link performanceDeep system level understanding across optics, software, electronics and hardware integrationExperience working in both lab environments and production environmentsA mindset focused on reducing cost, mass and complexity while maintaining performanceBackground and Experience5 to 10 years of experience in optical communication systems for spaceStrong preference for candidates from satellite primes or leading optical communication companiesExperience with laser communication, optical terminals or advanced sensing systemsFamiliarity with modelling tools such as Zemax, MATLAB or PythonStrong understanding of adaptive optics, beam steering and propagation effectsDarwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.Adam Slade