Payload Systems Engineer - Satellite Communications (M/F)

📜 Context

As part of the reinforcement of an R&D team specializing in satellite communication technologies, we are looking for a Payload Systems Engineer (M/F) to join an engineering team based in Lausanne.

You will work at the forefront of technology on innovative satcom architectures, within a multidisciplinary and international R&D environment.

The position covers the full system lifecycle, from mission analysis and system definition to integration, test campaigns, launch and in-orbit commissioning.

📌 Your role

As a Payload Systems Engineer, you will bring your understanding of the space environment for telecommunication systems and your hands-on experience in designing sophisticated space payloads.

You will work on a variety of workflows, from system definition and requirements downflow to the review and co-design of subsystems, and you will act as a technical reference (SME) towards subcontractors and partners.

Tasks

🎯 Responsibilities

🔹 System Engineering & Mission Analysis

• Lead the mission analysis for space system requirements and their downflow to lower tiers.
• Lead the SWaP-C analysis and define interfaces (digital, electrical, RF, optical, mechanical/thermal, etc.).
• Contribute to reliability analysis, simulations and design choices together with the team.

🔹 Payload Architecture & Design

• Work on communication chains, transponders, power management and distribution units.
• Contribute to on-board processing units for digital regenerative applications and beam forming.
• Review subsystem design and take part in co-design activities.

🔹 Subcontractors & Partners

• Drive and facilitate technical discussions with subcontractors and partners as needed.
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert and challenge external contractors on technical matters.
• Contribute to the critical assessment of third-party solutions.

🔹 Qualification, Integration & Test

• Support space qualification activities, including advising on bus selection and components.
• Support test procedures and take part in the integration and test campaigns.
• Participate in launch and in-orbit commissioning activities.

🔹 Program Support & Reporting

• Assist with program management and B&P, including interfacing with customers on programmatic and schedule matters.
• Prepare presentations and reports throughout the development (design reviews, test activities, manufacturing, qualifications, progress reviews, etc.).

Requirements

💼 Your profile

• MS or PhD in Engineering (SatCom, Spacecraft Systems, Telecommunications, Electronics, Digital Systems, Automation, Space Operations or similar).
• 8–10 years of proven experience in the space / satcom industry.
• Strong experience in SatCom and payload architectures for LEO / MEO / GEO / HEO.
• Experience in HW/SW design, development and integration for space applications.
• Experience in digital design for space communications and digital regenerative payloads.
• Knowledge of inter-satellite links and digital phased array antennas.
• Solid background in satellite architectures and system engineering for space applications.
• Experience in space qualification of complex systems.
• Experience with orbital analysis tools, TT&C platforms and Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK).
• Experience with operations: satellite TT&C operations, payload operations, users and network management facilities.
• Previous experience with ESA / NASA programs is a plus.
• Knowledge of manufacturing, integration, test and qualification is a plus.
• You thrive in an R&D environment, are passionate about continuous improvement and feel at ease in a multidisciplinary, international team.
• Proactive, you enjoy being challenged and working as part of a diverse team.
• Swiss or EU citizenship, or a valid Swiss work permit.

Benefits

🏆 Position details

• 📍 Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
• 🏠 Hybrid organization, with the possibility of remote work
• 💰 Salary: CHF 120,000 – 150,000 per year, depending on profile and experience
• 📅 Start date: Flexible
• 🛰️ Environment: R&D / Space Systems / Satellite Communications
• 🤝 Multidisciplinary and international engineering environment

💥 Recruitment process

The ENOVA recruitment process generally consists of several steps:

• A first video interview (Teams) to discuss your background and introduce you to ENOVA.
• A second interview with an ENOVA manager.
• An interview with the client's technical teams.
• A final discussion to formalize the collaboration.