ZAITRA, established in 2020, is a startup focused on delivering tailored flight software, onboard data processing units, and AI solutions for space missions. We work with the European Space Agency and commercial customers to advance onboard intelligence for satellites and in-space transportation.
About the role
As a System Engineer, you will be responsible for the system-level design and definition of ZAITRA’s onboard data processing payloads that will be integrated into hosted payload missions or full satellite systems.
You will lead the technical coordination to ensure that our payloads — combining optical instruments with advanced onboard processing hardware and AI software — fit seamlessly into spacecraft platforms, ground segments, and mission operations delivered by external partners or subcontractors.
In the future, your role may extend to defining the complete satellite system architecture where ZAITRA acts as the mission prime.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Define and maintain system and payload requirements, including interfaces, technical budgets, and performance specifications.
- Design the system architecture of ZAITRA’s payloads for integration on third-party spacecraft platforms.
- Lead technical coordination with platform providers, ground segment suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Ensure proper system-level integration between hardware, software, and onboard AI components.
- Prepare design documentation, interface control documents, and verification plans according to ECSS and customer standards.
- Support integration, verification, and validation activities during payload qualification and mission preparation.
- Contribute to mission concept studies, proposals, and design reviews.
- Collaborate closely with FPGA, software, and AI teams to ensure payload capabilities align with mission objectives.
Required qualifications
- A technical background in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in technical roles within the space industry. Roles involving systems engineering or payload design for space missions are strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems, data handling architectures, and payload interfaces.
- Experience with requirements management and system modelling tools.
- Familiarity with ECSS standards and understanding of space project lifecycles, from feasibility through qualification, with demonstrated ability to effectively tailor ECSS standards and ESA lifecycles in innovative NewSpace environment
- Ability to produce clear and concise documentation and system specifications.
- Excellent communication and coordination skills when working with multiple partners and subcontractors.
- Enthusiasm for building innovative payloads that push the limits of onboard intelligence.
What we offer
- Hybrid work (preferably with at least 3 days a week in our office).
- Flexible working hours.
- Modern offices near the center of Brno.
- Direct impact on the development and direction of products for space missions.
- Involvement in the development of solutions to be deployed in Earth’s orbit and beyond.
- 5 weeks of vacation.
- Meal vouchers.
- Team-building activities and company events.
- Multisport card
What is nice to have
- Experience with hosted payload integration or CubeSat missions.
- Knowledge of onboard data processing hardware (FPGAs, CPUs, GPUs).
- Familiarity with simulation environments and system performance analysis.
- Understanding of mission operations and ground segment interfaces.
Interview process
- Submit your CV and short cover letter via email to jobs@zaitra.io.
- Attend a 45-minute call with the CTO and HR.
- Participate in a 60-minute technical screening.
- Receive an offer.