Senior Payload Architect in Bussigny

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Payload Architect to provide technical leadership across spacecraft payload systems within a complex international space programme. This 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. You 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. Key Responsibilities Provide systems engineering leadership for spacecraft payload development, including requirements definition, interface control, and performance analysis Define technical requirements, statements of work, and acceptance criteria for supplier contracts Oversee international suppliers through design, manufacturing, integration, and test phases Review and assess supplier designs, analysis outputs, and technical documentation for compliance with system requirements Lead technical interchange meetings and participate in internal and external design reviews Ensure alignment between payload subsystem designs and overall spacecraft system architecture Manage and maintain payload interface definitions across multiple engineering teams and suppliers Support payload and system-level verification, validation, and acceptance planning Identify technical risks arising from supplier activities and lead mitigation actions Communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations to programme and engineering leadership Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of supplier-facing systems engineering processes Provide informal mentorship and guidance to other engineers within the team Essential Skills & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience) 10+ years’ experience in systems engineering roles within aerospace, space systems, or other high-reliability industries Proven experience working with externally sourced or supplier-developed hardware Strong background in spacecraft payload systems or complex subsystem integration Demonstrated experience managing technical delivery across international supplier networks Strong understanding of requirements-driven development, interface control, and verification/validation processes Ability to operate independently as a technical authority across organisational and cultural boundaries Excellent written and verbal communication skills for complex technical discussions Desirable Experience Experience working in distributed engineering teams or international supplier environments Familiarity with spacecraft payload integration and system-level verification activities Background in aerospace, space systems, or other regulated/high-reliability sectors Experience leading technical resolution across organisational interfaces Strong systems engineering discipline with focus on traceability, compliance, and verification closure Eligibility Swiss or EU citizenship, or valid Swiss work permit required What’s on Offer Opportunity to shape payload systems for a major spacecraft programme Senior technical authority role with significant supplier-facing responsibility Exposure to international engineering and manufacturing organisations End-to-end involvement from design through to integration and acceptance High-impact work within a complex, multidisciplinary space environment #J-18808-Ljbffr