Chief Space System Architect

SES Space & Defense•Reston, VA

About The Position

At SES Space & Defense, the Chief, Space Systems Architecture serves as a technical authority responsible for exploring new payloads and architectures, conceptualizing constellations and systems, and evaluating spacecraft and hosted payload solutions across programs. The role leads technical conceptualization and evaluation of complex, mission-critical space systems, coordinating with a matrixed engineering organization spanning spacecraft, payloads, systems engineering, mission assurance, and external partners. Working with Strategic Initiatives General Managers, Chief Engineers, customers, suppliers, and government stakeholders, the position develops technical solutions that meet mission objectives while balancing performance, cost, schedule, and risk. It helps expand SES Space & Defense’s space capabilities and shape next-generation hosted payload, sensing, communications, and mission-enabled space architectures for national security customers. The position calls for a systems-level engineering leader able to translate mission requirements into technically credible, executable architectures. The role operates in early program stages, evaluating technical approaches, conducting trades, assessing feasibility and risk, and developing practical solutions that address customer mission needs. It works across engineering and mission operations to mature concepts and support successful end-to-end system integration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience designing, developing, integrating, or delivering spacecraft, payloads, satellite systems, or other complex aerospace systems.
Demonstrated experience serving as a Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, IPT Lead, Technical Director, or equivalent technical leadership role.
Strong background in spacecraft architecture, payload systems, hosted payloads, satellite subsystems, or mission systems engineering.
Experience integrating spacecraft subsystems, including communications payloads, RF systems, onboard processors, and other mission-specific payloads.
Extensive knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements development, architecture definition, interface management, verification and validation, and technical risk management.
Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations in a matrixed environment and influencing without direct authority.
Experience supporting the complete system lifecycle, including concept development, design, integration, environmental test, launch preparation, commissioning, and on-orbit operations.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with government customers, executive leadership, engineering teams, suppliers, and mission partners.
Experience supporting national security, defense, civil government, or commercial space programs.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

Serve as a technical authority for exploring, conceptualizing, and evaluating spacecraft, hosted payload, and emerging space system solutions.
Lead technical proposals and evaluations of space system programs, payloads, and concepts to meet mission performance objectives.
Collaborate with a matrixed engineering organization spanning systems engineering, spacecraft engineering, payload engineering, mission assurance, specialty engineering, suppliers, and external mission partners.
Define spacecraft and payload architectures, system interfaces, integration strategies, and technical baselines.
Support program-level review milestones, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, launch readiness, and early on-orbit operations.
Identify, assess, and mitigate technical, integration, schedule, and mission risks throughout the program lifecycle.
Partner with government customers, mission partners, and suppliers to translate mission requirements into executable technical solutions.
Collaborate with engineering and mission operations organizations to support integration of the full end-to-end system concept.
Support strategic growth initiatives by shaping technical solutions for future hosted payload, communications, sensing, and emerging space mission opportunities.