Mission Architect

About Apolink:

Apolink is building the world’s most interoperable satellite relay network in low Earth orbit. Our hybrid communication architecture combines RF and optical inter-satellite links to enable real-time, continuous connectivity for satellite operators across industries.

About The Role:

As a Mission Architect at Apolink, you’ll be responsible for the design, planning, and execution of our end-to-end satellite missions. You’ll lead Mission ConOps — defining and iterating on the full technical and operational workflow of each mission, from satellite deployment to in-orbit relay behavior. You’ll also own Mission Ops — designing ground station contact plans, redundancy flows, and autonomy strategies.

This is a hands-on role: you’ll be expected to physically assemble and validate flight hardware using vendor documentation, and ensure all systems are integrated, tested, and flight-ready. A solid foundation in orbital mechanics is essential, as you’ll be involved in everything from constellation slotting and differential drag planning to understanding access windows for real-time connectivity.

Responsibilities:

• Design and iterate mission-level ConOps, including orbital deployment, communication windows, and payload workflows

• Own the Mission Ops plan, including ground station scheduling, telemetry timelines, and fault recovery paths

• Develop system-level technical documentation (ICDs, test plans, interface workflows) for internal teams and external vendors

• Build and assemble satellite flight hardware using datasheets, SDKs, and integration manuals

• Lead and execute PDR and CDR reviews for each mission

• Work closely with RF, embedded, and optical teams to ensure full subsystem integration Support orbital slot planning, differential drag phasing, and on-orbit handoff strategies Contribute to regulatory filings (FCC/ITU/NOAA) with detailed technical input

• Drive AIT campaigns and coordinate thermal and functional testing workflows

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field

• 3–8 years of experience in mission architecture or spacecraft systems engineering

• Solid understanding of orbital mechanics, especially LEO dynamics, conjunctions, and relative motion

• Experience building and testing LEO-class spacecrafts

• Strong subsystem experience in RF, ADCS, avionics, or power systems

• Comfortable reading and applying SDKs, ICDs, and hardware datasheets

• Proven ability to lead technical documentation for design reviews and integration

• Hands-on experience with satellite assembly, testing, and system bring-up

• Bonus: experience with RF/SDR payloads, optical terminals, or PC-104 avionics

• Ability to work in-person or willingness to relocate to Palo Alto, CA

• Willingness to travel for work

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation at Apolink is determined based on role, level, location, and alignment with market benchmarks. Individual base salary is assessed on a case-by-case basis, reflecting job-related experience, technical expertise, and overall fit. In addition to salary, Apolink offers long-term incentives such as stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity participation, comprehensive health care, 401(k) with company matching, flexible vacation, catered meal credits, and ongoing opportunities for professional development.

Additional Information

To conform to the U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apolink Communications is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.