Principal SATCOM Systems Engineer, Multi-Orbit Lead

DRS Global; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Disability insurance

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

SES Space & Defense, part of SES S.A., is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer - SATCOM in the Reston, VA area to lead systems engineering, integration, verification, and readiness across GEO, MEO, LEO, and hybrid SATCOM services.

You will work with terminals, antennas, modems, RF components, IP networks, and mission applications to deliver end-to-end system performance. The role requires MBSE proficiency, Linux/Bash skills, and collaboration with customers and vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering, SATCOM, RF or networked communications, or mission systems integration.
• Experience developing system requirements, managing requirements traceability, defining interfaces, planning verification activities, and executing integration and test for complex systems.
• Working knowledge of multi-orbit SATCOM architectures and integration of terminals, antennas, modems, RF equipment, IP networks, network management systems, and mission applications.
• Working knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes, artifacts, and requirements traceability throughout the systems engineering lifecycle.
• Working knowledge of RF and communications fundamentals, including the link-budget process and interpreting or supporting link-budget results.
• Hands-on experience with Linux and Bash, with basic Python scripting for engineering, testing, automation, configuration, or data analysis.
• Strong technical documentation, communication, collaboration, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Ability to work in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and support periodic test activities.
• Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain and maintain one preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities from mission needs through integration, verification, deployment, and operational transition.
• Define and maintain system requirements, interfaces, and bidirectional traceability across architectures, verification methods, test procedures, and results.
• Develop and maintain lifecycle artifacts: CONOPS, technical specs, ICDs, traceability matrices, VCRMs, integration plans, technical risk assessments.
• Apply MBSE processes to clarify system behavior, interfaces, dependencies, and verification relationships.
• Lead technical integration across SATCOM terminals, antennas, modems, RF components, transport and IP networks, network management systems, and mission applications.
• Develop verification strategies, test plans, procedures, readiness reviews, and reports; plan and execute lab, field, over-the-air, interoperability, and operational tests.
• Interpret SATCOM performance assessments (availability, capacity, QoS, latency) and support link-budget results.
• Use Linux, Bash, and Python scripting to support configuration, testing, telemetry, data analysis, troubleshooting, and repeatable workflows.
• Coordinate with customers, vendors, program leadership, and engineering teams to resolve issues and ensure successful delivery.
• Mentor engineers and strengthen engineering rigor and delivery effectiveness.

Skills

SATCOM architectures

MBSE

Requirements tracing

Link-budget analysis

System verification

Mentoring

Customer coordination

Technical writing

Linux

Bash

Python scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or related field

Tools

Linux

Bash

Python

Job description

SES Space & Defense, part of SES S.A., is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer - SATCOM in the Reston, VA area to lead systems engineering, integration, verification, and readiness across GEO, MEO, LEO, and hybrid SATCOM services.

You will work with terminals, antennas, modems, RF components, IP networks, and mission applications to deliver end-to-end system performance. The role requires MBSE proficiency, Linux/Bash skills, and collaboration with customers and vendors.