Senior Payload Engineer, Spacecraft Programs (Onsite)

SES S.A Brazil; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SES Space Systems in Sterling, VA, seeks a Senior Payload Engineer to oversee resident payload subsystems from design through launch campaigns, ensuring end-to-end performance and contract compliance.

You will lead test readiness reviews, monitor supplier workflows, provide 24/7 on-call support during payload testing, and contribute to PIOT and in-orbit activities while coordinating with SES stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of space engineering experience.
• Experience with payload mission specification and operations.
• Experience with analogue and digital payload equipment.
• Experience with repeater and/or antenna subsystems.
• Experience with link budgets and repeater RF performance measurement.

Responsibilities

• Ensure payload unit specs meet end-to-end system requirements.
• Oversee payload design, test readiness, and integration at supplier facilities.
• Review test data and trend results for payload equipment.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support during payload testing.
• Support in-orbit testing and post-launch activities.
• Coordinate with SES Product Assurance and stakeholders.
• Develop training material for satellite engineering teams.

Skills

Payload subsystems

Test oversight

Systems engineering

Cross-functional

On-site work

Education

Master’s or PhD in Telecommunications/EE

Job description

SES Space Systems in Sterling, VA, seeks a Senior Payload Engineer to oversee resident payload subsystems from design through launch campaigns, ensuring end-to-end performance and contract compliance.

You will lead test readiness reviews, monitor supplier workflows, provide 24/7 on-call support during payload testing, and contribute to PIOT and in-orbit activities while coordinating with SES stakeholders.