Please review the job details below.

Lanteris Space is seeking a Payload Engineering Manager (PEM) for our offices in Palo Alto CA. The Payload Engineering Manager serves as the senior technical authority for all matters related to the communications payload across the full program lifecycle. This role leads the definition, development, integration, and verification of complex payload architectures, ensuring technical integrity, stakeholder alignment, and mission success. The PEM drives system‑level decision‑making, establishes payload engineering strategy, and provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

The PEM is accountable for payload design changes with stakeholder agreement, payload performance evaluation and selloff, and the overall technical direction of the communications payload. This role requires deep expertise in RF systems, payload architectures, and spacecraft‑to‑payload interactions, as well as the ability to influence program execution, customer engagement, and cross‑functional coordination.

A highly seasoned professional, the PEM applies advanced engineering judgment to resolve complex issues, guide architectural trades, and shape next‑generation payload solutions. The role operates with substantial autonomy, receives minimal direction on day‑to‑day activities, and is expected to mentor engineering teams while representing the company in high‑visibility technical discussions.

Responsibilities

Serves as the senior technical authority for all communications payload design matters, ensuring architectural integrity and alignment with mission and stakeholder objectives
Holds accountability for payload design changes that have stakeholder agreement, including front‑end architecture optimization and system‑level trade decisions
Recognizes and manages accountability transitions:
- Transfers design‑change accountability to the Spacecraft Engineering Manager (SEM) when changes impact spacecraft systems
- Transfers accountability to the Program Manager (PM) when stakeholder disagreement or program‑level impacts arise
Owns all aspects of communications payload performance, including performance reviews, performance modeling, and final performance selloff
Defines payload‑level engineering strategy, requirements, and verification approaches across the full lifecycle
Collaborates with the Spacecraft Manager on payload test execution, and assumes accountability for redefining payload test strategy when deviations occur (e.g., workarounds, non‑conformances, MRBs)
Leads resolution of complex payload anomalies, driving root‑cause analysis and corrective‑action implementation
Partners with the Program Manager on customer strategy, technical messaging, and customer intimacy for all payload‑related matters
Provides senior‑level guidance to PMO, SEM, and engineering teams on all communications‑payload topics to ensure optimal program execution
Represents the company in high‑level technical discussions with customers, vendors, and external partners
Mentors engineering staff, fosters technical excellence, and contributes to the development of future payload engineering capabilities
Influences long‑term product strategy and next‑generation payload architectures through innovation and technical leadership

Minimum Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or a related technical field. An additional four years of experience may be substituted for a degree.
15 years of experience, inclusive of RF systems, satellite payload engineering, or related disciplines
Leading role in payload architecture, integration, or performance analysis
Ability to travel infrequently (up to ~10%) and support off‑shift operations as needed
Understanding of RF engineering principles, payload subsystems, and spacecraft‑payload interactions
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard engineering documentation practices

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in engineering or a related scientific discipline
Expertise with RF modeling and CAD tools such as Microwave Office, ADS, or Ansys HFSS
Experience with software‑defined radios, digital payloads, or software‑defined modems
Familiarity with FPGA‑based signal processing architectures
Prior experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or serving as a technical authority on space programs

In support of pay transparency at Lanteris Space Systems, we disclose salary ranges on all U.S. job postings. The successful candidate’s starting pay will fall within the salary range provided below and is determined based on job-related factors, including, but not limited to, the experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills, geographic work location, and market conditions. Candidates with the minimum necessary experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skillsets for the position should not expect to receive the upper end of the pay range.

● The base pay for this position within California is: $168,000.00 - $280,000.00 annually.

For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees. More information on our benefits will be shared with candidates as they move forward in the recruitment process.

Additionally, this position is incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved; the specific incentive plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions.

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.

The date of posting can be found on the Lanteris Space Systems Career page at the top of each job posting.

To apply, submit your application via the Lanteris Space Systems Career page.

Lanteris Space Systems values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.