---
title: 'Systems Engineering Architect at Terran Orbital Corporation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineering-architect-terran-orbital-corporation-irvine-gptdjkh5swg1'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-13'
---

# Systems Engineering Architect at Terran Orbital Corporation

- **Company:** Terran Orbital Corporation
- **Location:** Irvine, CA
- **Compensation:** $200k–$255k
- **Posted:** 2026-10-06
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-13
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/terranorbitalcorporation/jobs/4429100009

## Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Architect to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the VP, Engineering, the Systems Engineering Architect will lead the design and integration of advanced space satellite architectures. This role requires deep expertise across avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer architecture, communications, and navigation, with a proven ability to architect complex “systems of systems” that enable next-generation orbital mobility, secure communications, and resilient mission operations. As a senior technical leader, you will define technology roadmaps, lead analysis of alternatives, and oversee the integration of multi-domain subsystems into cohesive spacecraft architectures. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, government stakeholders, and industry partners to deliver breakthrough satellite capabilities on schedule and within budget.

## Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Define and implement spacecraft system architecture roadmaps aligned with mission objectives.
- Lead Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to evaluate avionics, power, propulsion, communication, and navigation solutions.
- Establish technical standards and architectures that support interoperability across platforms.
- Architect end-to-end satellite solutions spanning avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer systems, communications, and navigation.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams in subsystem design, integration, and qualification.
- Champion innovative approaches to increase performance, reduce costs, and accelerate development cycles.
- Oversee execution of spacecraft architecture projects from concept through deployment.
- Establish and maintain technical performance metrics, schedules, and budgets.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and mission operations to ensure seamless integration.
- Mentor and lead engineering teams, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
- Partner with vehicle engineering, mission architecture, and external stakeholders to deliver effective solutions.
- Represent the company in industry forums, standards bodies, and with government partners.

Required Qualifications and Skills

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 12+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering and architecture.
- Demonstrated expertise across avionics, power, propulsion, security, computer architecture, communications, and navigation subsystems.
- Proven track record architecting complex “systems of systems” for space missions.
- Strong background in RF communications, SDRs, antennas, DSP, and navigation algorithms.
- Experience developing technology roadmaps and leading AoA for complex technical systems.
- Knowledge of spacecraft integration, verification, and environmental qualification.
- Eligible for U.S. DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

## Preferred Qualifications and Skills

- Ph.D. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
- Experience with deep space communications, inter-satellite links, and ground station networks.
- Knowledge of secure computing architectures and regulatory spectrum management.
- Background in digital signal processing algorithms and advanced communications theory.
- Experience working with NASA, DoD, or other government partners on spacecraft systems.
- Track record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, or successful technology transitions.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range $200,000—$255,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

## Benefits

- 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Match
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Education Reimbursement
- Competitive Paid Parental Leave

## About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at [www.terranorbital.com](https://usg02.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcts.businesswire.com%2Fct%2FCT%3Fid%3Dsmartlink%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.terranorbital.com%26esheet%3D53008617%26newsitemid%3D20221206005473%26lan%3Den-US%26anchor%3Dwww.terranorbital.com%26index%3D2%26md5%3D1d19ac463131a0a02242db978d78b538&data=05%7C01%7Ccathy.juntunen%40terranorbital.com%7C47606181b4484a63efa008dae156d397%7C4a63c5faf6154f48ae0840e5f0940b9d%7C0%7C0%7C638070060273120323%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e28oDVJf%2Fk2x%2B6jTPNvd9P1sIPFpK0sXHwDhPgl7mDE%3D&reserved=0)

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant 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. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.

## About Terran Orbital Corporation

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite solutions, delivering flight-proven spacecraft and end-to-end mission support primarily to the U.S. and Allied defense, civil, and commercial space sectors.
- **Entity Type**: Public (NYSE: LLAP) – acquired by Lockheed Martin Corporation in August 2024 and now operates as a subsidiary.
- **Headquarters**: Irvine, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2013
- **Founders**: Marc Bell and Anthony Previte

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aerospace
- **Target customers**: Government agencies (DoD, NASA, ESA, SDA, EDA), prime defense contractors (Lockheed Martin), and commercial satellite operators (EchoStar, Rivada Space Networks)
- **Mission statement**: “We are not just building satellites; we are transforming the future of space.” The company focuses on enabling affordable, rapid, and reliable access to space for critical missions.

## Products & Services
- **End-to-End Satellite Solutions**: Design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support for small satellites, including CubeSats and microsatellites.
- **In-House Component Manufacturing**: Terran Orbital manufactures approximately 85% of the components in its standard spacecraft platforms internally, reducing supply chain risk and accelerating delivery timelines.
- **Mission-Specific Platforms**: Custom spacecraft for defense, intelligence, Earth observation, communications, and deep-space exploration (e.g., NASA’s CAPSTONE lunar mission).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Market cap ~$51.3M (as of mid-2026); acquired by Lockheed Martin in August 2024 for $450M.
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue of $135.9M (latest fiscal year); total funding raised ~$1.07B.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Lockheed Martin (now parent company), NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), European Defence Agency (EDA), Space Development Agency (SDA), Rivada Space Networks ($2.4B contract for 300 satellites), EchoStar.
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount of 320 (up 8.4% YoY); 27 active job postings; won Built In’s 2024 Best Places to Work Award; expanded manufacturing facilities in Irvine, CA, Florida, and Italy; delivered first commercial intelligence community CubeSat constellation in under 5 months.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertical Integration**: 85% in-house component manufacturing allows for faster turnaround, lower costs, and higher quality control compared to competitors that rely on external suppliers.
- **Flight Heritage**: Nearly 1,000 months of combined on-orbit operations across numerous missions, providing proven reliability.
- **Speed to Orbit**: Ability to go from contract to launch in less than five months for certain constellations.
- **Trusted Partner**: Serves demanding customers including NASA, Lockheed Martin, and defense agencies, with a track record of mission success.

## Strategic Focus
- **Defense & Intelligence Growth**: Expanding capabilities for national security and allied defense customers, including proliferated low-Earth orbit constellations.
- **Deep Space & Lunar Missions**: Building on the CAPSTONE lunar mission to support NASA’s Artemis program and Gateway station.
- **Manufacturing Scale**: Scaling production capacity through new facilities and automation to handle large constellation orders (e.g., Rivada’s 300 satellites).
- **Lockheed Martin Integration**: Leveraging parent company resources and broader portfolio to accelerate innovation and market reach.

## Why Work Here
- **Impactful Work**: Employees contribute directly to missions that shape national defense, Earth observation, and deep-space exploration.
- **Culture & Values**: Emphasis on integrity, collaboration, relentless curiosity, and commitment to customers and community. Employee resource groups include Terran WISE (Women in Space and Engineering) and various Terran Clubs.
- **Benefits**: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) match; tuition reimbursement; paid parental leave; flexible time off; unlimited snacks and beverages; onsite gym at Irvine headquarters; short- and long-term disability; mental health EAP.
- **Work Environment**: Predominantly on-site due to manufacturing and integration roles, with opportunities in engineering, IT, and program management. Offices in Irvine, CA; Florida; and Italy.
- **Career Growth**: Active hiring with 27 open positions; opportunities for learning and leadership across engineering, production, and mission assurance.

## Sources
1. [Terran Orbital – Homepage](https://terranorbital.com/)
2. [Terran Orbital – About Us](https://terranorbital.com/about-us/)
3. [Terran Orbital – History](https://terranorbital.com/who-we-are/)
4. [Terran Orbital – Careers](https://terranorbital.com/careers/)
5. [LinkedIn – Terran Orbital Corporation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/terranorbital)

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