Engineer, Satellite Platform Engineering

SES Satellites; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SES Satellites in United States is seeking a Junior Engineer for Satellite Platform Engineering to support the full lifecycle from procurement to launch and on-orbit operations.

You will analyze telemetry, assist with system integration, and develop procedures to ensure high satellite availability, working with an EU/US team across multiple subsystems. This role requires on-site presence in McLean, VA, with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years applicable professional experience in satellite engineering and/or operations is desired; new graduates welcome.
• Knowledge of satellite bus subsystems across Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed, MAXAR, Northrop Grumman, Thales is desirable.
• Master’s Degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering or Physics with specialization in satellite dynamics and control; avionics, power or thermal subsystems required.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python; additional Computer/Data Science knowledge beneficial.
• Fluency in English (other languages asset).

Responsibilities

• Continuous surveillance and analysis of telemetry data to evaluate satellite health and performance, forecasting changes.
• Support definition of satellite requirements for integration with ground control systems and create test plans.
• Prepare for satellite launches, supporting mission design reviews and post-launch phases.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, tools and processes to optimize satellite performance.
• Provide technical advice to internal teams and satellite users regarding capabilities and operations.
• Optimize satellite performance through engineering analysis and parameter modifications.
• Prepare on-orbit performance reports for internal and external customers.
• Participate in on-call support, including travel to control centers as needed.

Skills

Technical Proficiency

Accountability & Decision-Making

Effective Communication

Project Execution

Collaboration & Teamwork

Results-Driven Approach

Continuous Improvement

Growth Mindset

English Fluency

Education

Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Physics with satellite specialization

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

(Junior) Engineer, Satellite Platform Engineering

Requisition Number: 20186

Contract Type: Permanent

Location(s): McLean, VA, US

The Engineer, Satellite Engineering is part of an EU and US based team that provides engineering, and operations support to the full satellite lifecycle from new satellite procurement through launch, on-orbit operations, and re-orbit. The team is responsible for ensuring the highest levels of satellite service availability through specialized engineering expertise in avionics, attitude control, propulsion, power, and thermal systems across all phases of a satellite’s operational lifecycle.

Key responsibilities include performing routine analysis, adhering to manufacturer-recommended operations, and investigating and resolving system deviations and anomalies. You will develop satellite operations procedures, products, and processes based on manufacturer documentation and operational protocols. In the event of system anomalies, you will develop and implement recovery procedures, ensuring timely and effective resolution to maintain continuous satellite operations. You will also collaborate with engineering teams to provide technical guidance and ensure safe, efficient, and optimal satellite performance.

Primary Responsibilities / Key Result Areas

• Continuous surveillance and analysis of telemetry data to evaluate satellite health and performance, trending it against models and predictions, and forecasting likely changes, particularly regarding traffic capacity.
• Providing engineering support for satellite requirement definitions, proposal evaluations, negotiations, and design analysis, ensuring operational experience is considered in new satellite procurements.
• Supporting definition of satellite requirements for integration with satellite operations ground control systems, including the creation of test plans, conducting acceptance tests, and resolving issues.
• Preparing for the launch of new satellites, through support to satellite manufacturer mission design reviews and post launch separation and orbit raising phases.
• Developing, validating and maintaining operational procedures, tools, and processes to maintain optimal satellite and service performance, with a focus to task automation.
• Providing technical advice to internal teams and satellite users regarding satellite capabilities, performance and operations.
• Optimizing satellite performance by performing necessary engineering analysis, modelling, and parameter modifications to meet new business needs.
• Support preparation of on-orbit satellite performance reports to internal and external Customer(s).
• Performing on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis, available to support satellite operations outside of regular business hours, including weekends, to address as requested operations and/or emergency situations. On-call response may require travel to local satellite control center for support actions.

COMPETENCIES

• Technical Proficiency - Strong skills in analysing satellite systems, diagnosing issues, and interpreting data, including evaluating performance metrics and troubleshooting.
• Accountability & Decision-Making – Ability to take ownership, use sound judgment, and make informed decisions under pressure to assess critical situations and propose effective solutions.
• Effective Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey technical messages clearly and appropriately to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Project Execution – Strong organizational and project management skills to drive initiatives from planning to completion with efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaboration & Teamwork – Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural team environment.
• Results-Driven Approach – Sense of urgency, initiative, and drive to achieve goals and deliver results.
• Continuous Improvement – Proactive approach to identifying opportunities for optimization and driving ongoing improvements.
• Growth Mindset- Embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and personal/professional development.

Qualifications & Experience

• 1 to 3 years applicable professional experience in satellite engineering and/or operations are desired, but not mandatory. New Graduate applications are welcome.
• Knowledge of satellite bus subsystems across one or more of Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed, MAXAR, Northrop Grumman, Thales is desired, but not mandatory.
• Master’s Degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Physics or similar discipline with a specialization in one or more of satellite dynamics and control; avionics, power or thermal sub-systems or similar is required.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python programming language. Additional courses or knowledge in Computer or Data Science are beneficial.
• Fluency in English (any other language being an asset).

Other Key Requirements / Comments

• If this position is to be based in Virginia (US). Eligible applicants to the US based location must be a US Citizen, a Green Card Holder or who can otherwise meet federal export-control authorization requirements.
• Eligible applicants to the position must meet EU and US export-control authorization requirements for access to Space Segment EAR and ITAR information.
• Willing to work on-site or hybrid remote per allowed policy
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally

The salary range for this full-time position (US only) is $75,000 - $110,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and geographic location. Individual compensation within the range is determined based on work location and a variety of factors, including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and relevant education or training. Additional compensation and benefits may apply depending on the location and terms of employment.

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC