Chief Architect - Optical Communication Terminals

We are seeking a Chief Architect for Optical Communication Terminals to join our space communications company developing next-generation optical communication infrastructure. This pivotal role reports directly to the VP of Engineering and represents a key position in our long-term technical leadership succession plan.

This high-impact opportunity is ideal for an experienced professional who has successfully delivered free space optical communication systems and wants to help define the future of optical networks in space. Our organization has proven market direction and is now focused on execution, scaling, and delivering production-grade systems into orbit.

The successful candidate will own system-level architecture for optical communication terminals, leading programs from concept through design, validation, and production readiness. Key responsibilities include defining system requirements, leading modeling and simulation efforts, owning link performance, and guiding hardware development through major milestones including PDR, CDR, and manufacturing readiness.

This role requires 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. You will design and optimize high data rate optical links up to 100-400 Gbps over long distance links exceeding 10,000 km, solving challenges in coherent detection, fiber coupling, and system efficiency.

The position involves cross-functional collaboration with optics, software, electrical, mechanical, and integration teams, ensuring all subsystems align with mission requirements. You will lead system validation, test campaigns, and critical experiments while supporting hardware integration and production scaling.

We seek someone comfortable in design reviews, on the production floor, and in laboratory environments running experiments. This role offers the opportunity to mentor engineers, build senior technical capability, and drive innovation in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.