SatCom, ISR & Space Payload Architect

Job Title

SatCom, ISR & Space Payload Architect

Role Summary

Lead technical engagements and architect FPGA-based solutions for satellite communications, ISR, and onboard space payload processing. Responsible for system-level design, customer interaction, and driving FPGA acceleration adoption across hardware and software teams.

Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of Altera's New Hampshire office.

Experience Level

Senior — 8+ years of relevant experience in satellite communications, ISR, or space payload design.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership across design, integration, and delivery of FPGA-based space and defense payload systems.

• Define system architectures for SatCom, ISR, and space payload applications using FPGA technologies.
• Translate mission requirements into scalable, high-performance solutions in partnership with customers and internal teams.
• Design and optimize signal-processing pipelines (modulation/demodulation, channelization, encryption, image/sensor processing).
• Drive FPGA-based acceleration for onboard, real-time, and edge processing in space environments.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and product teams to influence roadmap and deliver integrated solutions.
• Support integration across RF front-end, digital processing, and high-speed interconnects.
• Lead design, verification, and deployment activities and develop reference architectures and technical collateral.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, experience, and compliance requirements.

• Must-have: 8+ years in satellite communications, ISR systems, or space payload design.
• Must-have: Strong background in digital signal processing for communications or sensing systems.
• Must-have: Hands-on FPGA design experience (VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog, RTL development).
• Must-have: Experience with communication protocols and standards (DVB-S2/S2X, CCSDS, LDPC, etc.).
• Must-have: Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, JESD204).
• Must-have: Experience with system-level design in constrained environments (power, thermal, radiation).
• Must-have: Eligible to obtain and maintain U.S. Government security clearance.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with onboard software-defined payloads, RF systems and waveform design.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with AI/ML acceleration for ISR or space analytics; familiarity with Altera FPGA architecture and toolchain.
• Nice-to-have: Knowledge of radiation-tolerant design and space qualification processes.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred. (Fields mentioned: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, related technical disciplines.)

About the Company

Company: Altera

Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Altera provides leadership programmable solutions for applications ranging from cloud to edge, unveiling limitless AI possibilities. Their extensive product portfolio includes FPGAs, CPLDs, Intellectual Property, development tools, and System on Modules aimed at accelerating innovation in various fields.