Job Description

Our Montreal client is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer, Digital Payload

Role Overview Lead the front-end architecture and design of advanced LEO/MEO communication satellite constellations featuring high-data-rate systems. You will drive end-to-end payload optimization from initial proposal through the full program lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Architectural Leadership: Lead design and end-to-end analysis of high-capacity communication payloads and constellation telecommunications.

• Requirements & Trades: Perform detailed trade studies and flow down system requirements to subsystems (Digital Processors, Phased Array Antennas, Optical ISLs, and Feeder Subsystems).

• Capacity & Performance: Evaluate satellite capacity and lead technical design reviews across the space program lifecycle.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with customers/program leads and supervise the generation of comprehensive test plans.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

• Experience: 15+ years in payload engineering, including 10+ years in complex systems architecture.

• Technical Expertise: * Strong background in LEO/MEO constellation design and RF/Digital/Optical performance budgets.

  • Deep knowledge of SDR, signal processing, routing protocols, and beamformed payloads.

  • Familiarity with 5G NTN, space environments, and orbital mechanics.

• Soft Skills: Proven track record in team leadership (mentoring junior engineers), customer relations, and Agile methodologies.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills in French (required) and English (favorable).

Core Areas of Expertise

• Systems Design: Complex digital communication systems, user links (FWD/RTN), and feeder links.

• Hardware Management: Experience managing suppliers for digital and RF hardware.

• V&V: Extensive experience in integration, testing, and V&V of complex satellite payloads.

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.