Head of Payload Architecture

Head of Payload Architecture Apply Now ReOrbit is looking for an experienced and driven Head of Payload Architecture to lead the development and execution of the next generation small GEO communication payloads. This is a critical leadership role at the heart of our payload development programmes, with responsibility spanning the full life cycle - from early mission definition through to launch, commissioning, and in-orbit operations. You will play a key role in ensuring our payloads meet the demanding requirements needed to deliver next generation space connectivity capabilities. It’s an exciting opportunity to join a fast growing company and shape both the technical direction and the team responsible the most critical part of our spacecraft. Responsibilities Drive the Communication Payload Team for ReOrbit spacecraft, from early mission definition through launch, commissioning, and in‑orbit operations. Regarding End‑to‑end payload architecture (RF, digital, control, interfaces). Define and maintain robust payload architectures supporting software‑defined and flexible missions Own payload performance closure across all operational modes and environmental conditions Lead and mentor payload engineers while remaining hands‑on in critical technical decisions Ensure payload requirements flow correctly into system and subsystem requirements Lead the team to achieve system‑level Payload trade‑offs across power, avionics, propulsion, structure, and thermal, balancing performance, robustness, and operational complexity. Recruit, mentor, and retain a high‑performing payload engineering team across locations. Foster a culture of flight realism, testing discipline, and technical ownership. Skills and requirements 15+ years experience in satellite payload or communications system engineering roles. 5+ years of experience managing engineering teams, with a proven track record of delivering flight hardware on schedule. Direct responsibility for Comms Payload on at least two mid to big size spacecraft GEO Comms Payloads that reached orbit 15 years of lifetime. Hands‑on experience with RF and/or digital payloads (analog, digital transparent, regenerative, or hybrid), Measurement technics and LAB equipment. Proven payload performance closure: link budgets, impairments, margins, degradation, Communications standards (DVB-S2X, 3GPP, others). Experience with payload AIT, calibration, and system‑level RF testing. Demonstrated ability to debug payload anomalies during test campaigns or in flight. Experience supporting the design from scratch of Payload end to end system solutions. Proven record of HTS Comms Payload implementation. Working at ReOrbit At ReOrbit, we are focused on building a strong team as we believe nothing can be accomplished without innovative, humble and curious minds working together on a common goal. We’re all about fostering an inclusive, dynamic environment where equality and diversity are our strength. We offer: Challenging but rewarding environment – you will thrive if you are always reflecting on how to make things better. Your ideas will be heard. Ambitious and supportive network of people, who are motivated to change the space industry, bringing expertise from both classic and new space. And most importantly a possibility to be a part of a unique and diverse team, connected by similar mindset and sense of humor. Location of the role This role will be based at our HQ in Helsinki, Finland. We support relocation to Helsinki, and integration into Finnish society. What does ReOrbit do? ReOrbit builds the foundation for the next generation of space applications by transforming satellites into truly intelligent, interconnected platforms, defined by software. Our satellite design philosophy revolves around the idea that satellites must network, communicate with each other and thus improve mission efficiency. How can this be achieved? Thanks to a flexible software-first architecture, where all these aspects are dealt with upfront in the mission concept, as integrated functionalities. ReOrbit’s top-notch team of software engineers and system architects develop in-house software, procure hardware from the best-in-class suppliers, and seamlessly integrate the components to create flexible and secure satellites. Today, we are a rapidly growing company building a very strong multidisciplinary team to support our activities. For agencies: We do not accept unsolicited CVs for our open vacancies. Any CV sent to our team unsolicited will reserve us the right to pursue a candidate without obligation to the sender. All candidate submissions must be conducted through our official channels and in accordance with our terms of engagement. Department Engineering Locations Helsinki, Finland Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time About ReOrbit Founded in 2019 Coworkers +100