Payload Engineer

Location: Remote - Nationwide

Travel: Domestic/occasional international travel may be required for onboarding & global support (approx. 1–2 trips/year after initial ramp-up).

A cutting-edge satellite communications company is looking to add a technically driven Payload Engineer to their Gateway Operations team. This high-impact role supports mission-critical ground systems and payload communication infrastructure that enable real-time satellite data transfer for a range of dynamic applications—from SOS signals to global communication coverage expansion. The company operates on the forefront of satellite connectivity and is investing in innovation to scale their systems, improve reliability, and support future satellite networks.

This Role Offers:

• Highly competitive compensation with flexibility for exceptional talent.
• Remote work flexibility with occasional travel for onboarding and global system support.
• High visibility in a lean team environment with hands-on work in satellite communication operations.
• A mission-driven culture backed by decades of industry success and continued growth initiatives.
• The chance to support real-world applications of satellite technology in emergency response, remote communications, and beyond.

Key Focus Areas:

• Operate, troubleshoot, and optimize payload equipment supporting ground-to-satellite communications.
• Act as the primary technical authority on payload communication systems supporting gateway operations.
• Support the full lifecycle of payload ground systems including installation, testing, performance tracking, and incident resolution.
• Partner with engineering, reliability, and network operations teams to enhance the availability and performance of the satellite communications network.
• Direct proactive system troubleshooting, identify underlying causes of disruptions, and implement corrective measures to restore service.
• Contribute to internal documentation and knowledge-sharing initiatives to elevate team capabilities.
• Participate in an on-call rotation (post-training) for operational support coverage.

Key Technologies:

• Software Defined Radios (SDRs)
• FPGA-based digital radio systems
• RF test and measurement equipment
• Payload modems and satellite RF communication systems
• Automated scripting tools (e.g., Python, Bash) for monitoring and task automation

Ideal Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience with RF communications, preferably in a satellite or aerospace environment.
• Strong understanding of satellite payload operations (not payload design).
• Experience with ground station systems and gateway equipment that manage satellite uplinks/downlinks.
• Exposure to tools like USRP radios, SDR platforms, and payload modems.
• Ability to analyze complex data sets and propose actionable insights to improve system performance.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills to support cross-functional initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior work in satellite communications, gateway operations, or space systems engineering.
• Familiarity with Linux-based systems and networked RF communications infrastructure.
• Comfort with scripting and automation for operational efficiency (Python preferred).
• Experience supporting live operations with system uptime responsibilities.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS