The Electrical Architect leads the electrical architecture of the satellite as a whole (platform and payload), with a particular focus on the electrical integrity of the vehicle: protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), grounding and bonding schemes, and supplier equipment electrical compatibility. He or she ensures end-to-end electrical consistency across Infinite Orbits programs in close interface with system architecture, mechanical, thermal, and other subsystems.
Job Description
Electrical Architecture & Power
- Define and maintain the overall electrical architecture of the satellite (generation, storage, distribution, protection), ensuring end-to-end consistency across all subsystems.
- Establish power budgets and distribution architectures.
- Define electrical protection requirements (overloads, short circuits, current limiters) and fault tolerance strategies.
- Guarantee energy availability under all conditions (LEOP, safe mode, eclipses).
Electrical Integrity - ESD, EMC, Grounding & Bonding
- Define and maintain the satellite grounding and bonding scheme: ground topology, structural connections, signal and power returns.
- Develop the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control plan, including charge/discharge analysis in space environment, protection of internal/external surfaces, and static dissipation requirements.
- Define the budget and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements of the satellite: conducted and radiated emissions and susceptibility, EMC margins.
- Lead Electrical Interface Compatibility Reviews for equipment and verify supplier interfaces compliance with ICDs.
- Develop EMC, ESD, and ground continuity test plans, and troubleshoot associated anomalies.
Cross-functional
- Evaluate space-qualified electrical components and equipment, and manage supplier relationships (specifications, EMC/ESD/grounding compliance tracking).
- Coordinate architecture choices with mechanical, thermal, avionics, flight software, RF, and computer vision teams.
- Participate in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR) and associated technical trade-offs, particularly regarding EMC/ESD/grounding aspects.
- Supervise integration, qualification testing, and functional electrical validation during the AIT phase.
- Conduct technology monitoring and propose architecture evolutions.