Spectrum Manager and COOP System Admin

SES Space & Defense; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SES Space & Defense in Tampa, Florida, seeks a professional to support USSOCOM's electromagnetic spectrum operations. This role involves coordinating RF spectrum management and ensuring continuity of operations for mission-critical communications.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years of relevant experience, and an active DoD Top Secret clearance. Strong technical and problem-solving skills are essential to support critical defense missions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience supporting communications, IT systems, SATCOM, or spectrum-related operations.
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Experience troubleshooting communications hardware, software, and networking issues in operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Support electromagnetic spectrum planning, coordination, and operational management activities.
• Process and manage frequency assignments in accordance with directives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to communications hardware, software, and satellite systems.

Skills

Technical troubleshooting

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

SATCOM equipment

Networking infrastructure

Job description

Who We Are

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite‑enabled connectivity, we deliver multi‑orbit, end‑to‑end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high‑bandwidth communications across the globe.

Our differentiated multi‑orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure to deliver resilient, low‑latency, high‑throughput connectivity at a global scale. With more than 120 satellites covering nearly the entire world, a global ground network, and thousands of deployed terminals supporting over 5,000 government missions annually, SES Space and Defense is a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies including NASA for mission‑critical communications.

We strive to be the only solution when success is critical and recognize our people as our competitive advantage. At SES Space & Defense, you’ll work alongside a mission‑driven team committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real‑world impact across today’s most critical missions.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will support USSOCOM electromagnetic spectrum operations and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities by providing technical expertise across spectrum management, SATCOM systems, and mission‑critical IT infrastructure. You will help coordinate and manage RF spectrum requirements supporting Special Operations Forces missions while also ensuring COOP communications systems remain operational and ready during exercises, contingencies, and real‑world events. This position combines operational coordination, technical troubleshooting, and systems administration across communications, networking, and satellite technologies in support of highly visible defense operations.

• Support electromagnetic spectrum planning, coordination, and operational management activities for USSOCOM missions and programs
• Process and manage frequency assignments and authorizations in accordance with DoD and NTIA directives and standards
• Coordinate with regional and national Spectrum Management Offices (SMOs) to support SOF mission requirements and RF deconfliction efforts
• Maintain and support Radio Frequency Authorizations (RFAs) for LEO satellite systems, headquarters operations, and executive protection mission support
• Provide technical support for COOP IT systems, SATCOM equipment, networking infrastructure, and COMSEC devices during exercises and operational events
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to communications hardware, software, satellite systems, and network connectivity
• Conduct site surveys and support setup, installation, and sustainment of COOP communications capabilities during exercises and contingency operations
• Support government participation in spectrum‑related working groups and operational planning forums
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, operational records, and configuration information related to supported systems

Who You Are

You are a technically capable operations professional with experience supporting communications, SATCOM, networking, or electromagnetic spectrum operations in a military or government environment. You understand how mission‑critical communications systems are planned, coordinated, and sustained, and you are comfortable troubleshooting both IT and RF‑related issues in dynamic operational settings. You bring strong organizational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work independently while coordinating across technical teams, operators, and government stakeholders. You are dependable, adaptable, and able to support continuity operations, spectrum coordination, and communications readiness activities under time‑sensitive conditions. Ultimately, you help ensure reliable communications and operational continuity for critical defense missions.

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Computer Science, Industrial Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience supporting communications, IT systems, SATCOM, or spectrum‑related operations
• Experience supporting electromagnetic spectrum dependent systems, RF coordination activities, or communications platforms
• Familiarity with satellite communications equipment, networking infrastructure, and systems administration practices
• Experience troubleshooting communications hardware, software, and networking issues in operational environments
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in mission‑driven team environments
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities

SES Space and Defense is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.