Video Distribution Architect

SES; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

SES is seeking a Senior Architect for Video Distribution in McLean, VA to own end-to-end strategy, architecture, and deployment of the terrestrial packet recovery network augmenting the existing satellite distribution. This role requires expertise in VSF TR-06-4 compliant architectures, stream reconstruction, and low-latency, highly resilient video transport.

The candidate will collaborate with Media and Network Engineering, Cybersecurity, and external partners to ensure scalable,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Broadcast Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years designing large-scale video distribution and IP-based media transport networks.
• Experience designing carrier-grade video delivery architectures.
• Hands-on experience with packet recovery networks (ARQ), RIST-based transport, or media edge distribution architectures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Architect a terrestrial packet recovery network that complements the primary satellite distribution infrastructure.
• Lead the design and implementation of a VSF TR-06-4 compliant packet recovery architecture.
• Establish recovery mechanisms for detecting packet loss and delivering missing packets over a diverse terrestrial IP network.
• Define standards for loss detection, recovery orchestration, transport, timing, monitoring, and reporting.
• Develop recovery performance objectives including recovery rate, latency budgets, and availability.
• Ensure the platform scales to mitigate weather-related outages and support live/linear video.
• Design CONOPS to minimize SES's role while keeping control of performance.
• Evaluate partners for best-of-breed solutions ensuring interoperability.
• Manage vendor relationships and define end-to-end testing strategy.
• Act as SME for internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Video distribution architecture

IP-based media transport

Carrier-grade reliability

Stakeholder communication

Hybrid video delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Broadcast Engineering

Tools

ARQ

RIST-based transport

Media edge distribution

Job description

Senior Architect, Video Distribution

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Video Distribution Architect sits within C-Band Ground Implementation team and is responsible for the end-to-end strategy, architecture, design, deployment, and lifecycle management of the company's terrestrial packet recovery network based on the Video Services Forum specifications governing hybrid satellite-terrestrial delivery with selective programming (VSF TR-06-4 Parts 6 & 7).

This role serves as the technical authority for terrestrial IP, Recovery Network Architecture, packet recovery, and next-generation video transport technologies acting as the survivable backup and recovery path supplementing SES's primary Ku-band video distribution across CONUS to deliver a highly resilient hybrid distribution platform. The role is responsible for ensuring carrier-grade reliability, packet integrity, low latency, and operational resilience across all video distribution workflows.

The individual will work closely with Media Engineering, Network Engineering, Customer Operations, Cybersecurity, and external technology partners to ensure scalable, standards-based video delivery architectures capable of supporting both current and future business requirements.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Architect a terrestrial packet recovery network that complements and protects the primary GEO (Ku-band) satellite distribution infrastructure
• Lead the design and implementation of a VSF TR-06-4 compliant packet recovery architecture, specifically supporting:
  • Part 6 - Transport Stream Program Selection
  • Part 7 - Packet and FullStream Recovery
• Establish recovery mechanisms capable of:
  • Detecting packet loss across the satellite distribution environment.
  • Delivering missing packets through a geographically diverse terrestrial IP network.
  • Reconstructing video streams in real time at affiliate and distribution endpoints.
  • Supporting seamless recovery without viewer impact.
• Define architecture standards for:
  • Packet loss detection
  • Recovery orchestration
  • Recovery data transport
  • Timing synchronization
  • Network monitoring
  • Operational reporting
• Develop packet recovery performance objectives including:
  • Recovery rate targets
  • Latency budgets
  • Recovery network availability
  • Recovery event reporting
• Ensure the recovery platform can scale to support the video services necessary to mitigate significant weather-related outages and impacts
• Design and optimize the Terrestrial Recovery Network Architecture supporting live and linear video delivery while minimizing latency and satisfying peak demand
• Define the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the packet recovery network that minimizes SES's role coming between our customers and their affiliates yet ensures sufficient command and control of the network to optimize performance
• Evaluate commercial technology partners and their solution offerings to deliver a best of breed solution and ensure interoperability with customers' preferred TAP and receiver vendors
• Manage vendor relationships and partnerships essential for the design and implementation of the packet recovery network, clearly conveying the vision & requirements and providing day to day direction as necessary
• Define end-to-end testing strategy and manage scope and capabilities of required lab environment(s)
• Act as subject matter expert on behalf of project for internal and external stakeholders

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated systems thinking, viewing hybrid video distribution as an end-to-end ecosystem rather than a collection of individual technologies
• Proven ability to understand the "big picture" and connect architecture to strategic outcomes, balancing performance, resiliency, scalability, supportability and cost
• Strong decision making, evaluating competing technical approaches and making timely, data-driven decisions
• Advanced communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex technical topics and influence stakeholders
• High emotional intelligence; able to navigate challenging situations and maintain credibility

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Broadcast Engineering, or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience designing large-scale video distribution and IP-based media transport networks
• Experience designing carrier-grade video delivery architectures
• Hands-on experience with packet recovery networks (ARQ), RIST-based transport, or media edge distribution architectures preferred
• Expertise with hybrid video delivery leveraging satellite distribution systems preferred

The salary range for this full-time position is $134,900 - $208,500 .

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.