Senior Payload Architect

pAn opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Payload Architect to provide technical leadership across spacecraft payload systems within a complex international space programme. /ppThis role is focused on systems engineering oversight of externally developed payload hardware, working closely with international suppliers and internal spacecraft engineering teams. You will ensure requirements compliance, technical alignment, and successful integration of payload systems from design through to delivery and acceptance. /ppYou will act as a key technical interface between payload engineering teams, suppliers, and internal system stakeholders. The role requires strong systems thinking, supplier management capability, and the ability to ensure end-to-end technical coherence across distributed development activities. /ppstrongKey Responsibilities /strong /pulliProvide systems engineering leadership for spacecraft payload development, including requirements definition, interface control, and performance analysis /liliDefine technical requirements, statements of work, and acceptance criteria for supplier contracts /liliOversee international suppliers through design, manufacturing, integration, and test phases /liliReview and assess supplier designs, analysis outputs, and technical documentation for compliance with system requirements /liliLead technical interchange meetings and participate in internal and external design reviews /liliEnsure alignment between payload subsystem designs and overall spacecraft system architecture /liliManage and maintain payload interface definitions across multiple engineering teams and suppliers /liliSupport payload and system-level verification, validation, and acceptance planning /liliIdentify technical risks arising from supplier activities and lead mitigation actions /liliCommunicate technical status, risks, and recommendations to programme and engineering leadership /liliContribute to the development and continuous improvement of supplier-facing systems engineering processes /liliProvide informal mentorship and guidance to other engineers within the team /liliBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience) /lili10+ years’ experience in systems engineering roles within aerospace, space systems, or other high-reliability industries /liliProven experience working with externally sourced or supplier-developed hardware /liliStrong background in spacecraft payload systems or complex subsystem integration /liliDemonstrated experience managing technical delivery across international supplier networks /liliStrong understanding of requirements-driven development, interface control, and verification/validation processes /liliAbility to operate independently as a technical authority across organisational and cultural boundaries /liliExcellent written and verbal communication skills for complex technical discussions /liliExperience working in distributed engineering teams or international supplier environments /liliFamiliarity with spacecraft payload integration and system-level verification activities /liliBackground in aerospace, space systems, or other regulated/high-reliability sectors /liliExperience leading technical resolution across organisational interfaces /liliStrong systems engineering discipline with focus on traceability, compliance, and verification closure /liliSwiss or EU citizenship, or valid Swiss work permit required /li /ulpstrongWhat’s on Offer /strong /pulliOpportunity to shape payload systems for a major spacecraft programme /liliSenior technical authority role with significant supplier-facing responsibility /liliExposure to international engineering and manufacturing organisations /liliEnd-to-end involvement from design through to integration and acceptance /liliHigh-impact work within a complex, multidisciplinary space environment /li /ul #J-18808-Ljbffr