Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

SES; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SES is seeking a Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload, in McLean, Virginia. This role involves monitoring satellite health and providing on-call support to resolve spacecraft anomalies, ensuring the safety and availability of our satellite fleet.

You'll work on complex technical challenges, develop tools for payload operations, and enhance your expertise in aerospace engineering. Strong knowledge in satellite payload systems and substantial experience in the telecommunications field are key requirements.

Qualifications

• University degree in relevant field, preferably a Master's.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in telecommunications.
• Knowledge of satellite payload systems and RF measurement equipment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor satellite health and resolve spacecraft anomalies.
• Maximize satellite fleet availability and longevity.
• Support payload mission service reconfigurations.

Skills

Satellite payload analysis

Problem-solving under pressure

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical communication

Education

University degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Python

C/C++

MATLAB

Job description

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

As a Payload Engineer, you will be responsible for monitoring satellite health and providing on-call support to resolve spacecraft anomalies, ensuring safe and continuous operations. Your focus will be on maximizing the availability and longevity of our GEO and MEO satellite fleet while ensuring customer satisfaction in alignment with SLA terms. In addition to supporting spacecraft operations, you will maintain earth station testing equipment through both hardware and software enhancement, integration, and development used for in-orbit testing (IOT).

This role offers the opportunity to tackle complex technical challenges and contribute to the success of satellite missions while enhancing your expertise in the field.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Maximize satellite fleet availability and longevity, ensuring customer satisfaction aligned with SLA terms.
• Advance payload automation applications through definition of operations requirements, use cases, test and validation plans and reports for software development teams.
• Support payload mission service reconfigurations for the global fleet.
• Assess link budget for payload/satellite RF interference scenarios, identify operational mitigation solutions for payload subsystem mission configuration to meet E2E SLA performance.
• Track and resolve payload non-compliances in E2E service configuration.
• Develop, enhance or debug integrated payload and RF monitoring applications and tools required for hardware and performance monitoring, operation automation, resource optimisation and constellation performance.
• Offer payload expertise on satellite performance, and as a component interface in end-to-end communication link design.
• Work with Adaptive Resource Optimizer and Allocator ground‑based software systems to integrate spacecraft payload data models and In‑orbit calibration system functionality.
• Develop end‑to‑end payload RF and command configuration operational procedures, use case, test procedure algorithms, and test & validation plans/reports.
• Prepare for and manage spacecraft contingency operations, including innovative solutions for satellite and fleet‑level resilience.
• Collaborate in payload missions, operations and integration of new satellites into constellation, including IOT as well as transition and phasing for start‑of‑service.
• Support the design, procurement, testing, and integration of new satellites, including in‑orbit testing and phasing into the constellation.
• Analyse satellite malfunctions and provide guidance during anomalies and emergencies.
• Contribute to RF data processing, payload performance analysis, and phased array calibration and corrections for on‑demand adjustments.
• Develop training material and deliver technical training to internal teams.
• Support as an on‑call engineering function for payload anomaly response for in‑service operations.
• Utilize test instruments to integrate and measure earth station components and subsystem performance per design and specification documents (is a plus).
• Interface with vendors to procure the necessary hardware to upgrade and update earth stations outfitted with our testing equipment (is a plus).
• Collaborate with multiple departments across the company to coordinate testing, installation, shipping, and requirements for testing equipment (is a plus).
• Build tools for and perform data processing and analysis in support of payload IOT and day‑to‑day operations.

COMPETENCIES

• Technical Proficiency: Strong skills in analyzing satellite payload systems, diagnosing issues, and interpreting data, including evaluating performance metrics and troubleshooting.
• Problem‑Solving: Excellent at resolving issues, especially under pressure, with the ability to quickly assess critical situations and propose effective solutions.
• Initiative and Ownership: Proactive in taking on challenges, valuing teamwork in multi‑disciplinary environment and actively seeks input to ensure mission success.
• Adaptability Flexible in responding to new challenges, technology changes, and unexpected requirements.
• Interpersonal Communication: Strong ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences and work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Reporting and Documentation: Skilled in preparing and presenting technical reports and documentation for both internal teams and clients.
• Continuous Improvement: Committed to excellence and driven to learn about advancements in technology and payload innovations.
• Growth Mindset: Embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and personal/professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• University degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Aerospace Engineering or similar field(s). Masters is preferred.
• Min 8 years of professional experience in telecommunications.
• Knowledge of satellite payload systems, including on‑board equipment.
• Experience or exposure to digital payload and phased array technology is a plus.
• Knowledgeable in end‑to‑end satellite communication systems, link budget analysis, RF measurement equipment, signal acquisition, processing and analysis.
• Hands‑on intermediate experience in analytical programming languages such as python, visual basis, xml, C/C++, or MATLAB is a preferred.
• Exposure of data retrieval, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence is a plus.
• Understanding of satellite operations in LEO or MEO or GEO.
• Be able to interact with vendor, customers, satellite manufacturers and other satellite operators.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Availability for on‑call duties.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Flexibility to support in‑orbit testing missions, including evening and night hours.

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.