Digital Payload Architect – Full Relocation to Montreal

About the role

The Digital Payload Architect will lead the definition and implementation of a next‑generation digital regenerative payload for LEO/MEO satellite missions. The role combines system architecture, trade‑studies, modeling, hardware/firmware oversight and on‑orbit support, with an initial remote work period followed by relocation to Montreal.

Key responsibilities

• Define functional, performance, environmental and security requirements and maintain traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop the overall digital payload architecture, including optical/RF ISLs, antenna arrays, digitizers, onboard processing, and high‑speed data‑bus interfaces.
• Lead trade‑offs for ASIC/FPGA/SoC technologies, data‑bus standards and processing algorithms, and incorporate emerging technologies into the roadmap.
• Build end‑to‑end signal‑chain models using MATLAB/Simulink, SystemView or Python and perform Monte‑Carlo and tolerance analyses.
• Author the Payload Verification Master Plan, define test‑automation frameworks and oversee verification campaigns.
• Provide technical liaison across electrical, power, structures, thermal, software, ground segment and mission operations teams.
• Mentor junior engineers, support continuous improvement and contribute to knowledge‑base and standards.

Required profile

• B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace or Physics (M.Sc. preferred) with 12+ years of digital regenerative payload design experience on LEO/MEO missions.
• Proven ability to produce technical documentation (requirements, ICDs, test procedures, risk reports) and present to customers and senior leadership.
• Strong aerospace systems engineering fundamentals and hands‑on integration experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; French is a plus.

Required skills

• MATLAB/Simulink, SystemView, Python for system modeling and simulation.
• Digital regenerative communications, SDR, DSP, DVB‑RCS/SX protocols, modulation schemes, MPLS, 2G/5G/NTN.
• ASIC, FPGA, SoC design, high‑speed data‑bus standards (SerDes, SpaceWire, SpaceFibre, Ethernet, CAN, fiber).
• Confluence and JIRA for project tracking.
• Payload verification, test‑automation, PLM environment for version control.

What we offer

• Full relocation support including immigration assistance and a relocation bonus upon arrival in Montreal.
• Option to work remotely during the initial months while immigration processes are completed.
• Long‑term onsite position in Montreal with a competitive compensation package.