Engineer, Satellite Platform Engineering

SES•McLean, VA

About The Position

The Engineer, Satellite Platform Engineering is part of an EU- and US-based team that provides engineering and operations support throughout the satellite lifecycle, from procurement and launch through on-orbit operations and re-orbit. The team works to ensure high satellite service availability through engineering expertise in avionics, attitude control, propulsion, power, and thermal systems. The role involves routine analysis, following manufacturer-recommended operations, and investigating and resolving system deviations and anomalies. It also develops satellite operations procedures, products, and processes using manufacturer documentation and operational protocols, and develops and implements recovery procedures when anomalies occur. The engineer collaborates with other engineering teams to support safe, efficient, and optimal satellite performance. The position monitors and analyzes telemetry, supports satellite procurement and ground-control system integration, helps prepare new satellites for launch, and develops and maintains operational procedures, tools, and processes, with an emphasis on automation. It also provides technical advice to internal teams and satellite users, optimizes performance through engineering analysis and modeling, and supports preparation of on-orbit performance reports. Rotating on-call duties may involve support outside regular business hours, including weekends, and travel to a local satellite control center. The role requires a Master's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a similar discipline, with a relevant specialization. The position may be based on-site or hybrid remote according to allowed policy, and requires willingness to travel domestically and internationally. US-based applicants must meet applicable US export-control authorization requirements; eligible applicants must also meet EU and US export-control requirements for access to Space Segment EAR and ITAR information.

Requirements

Master's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a similar discipline, specializing in one or more of satellite dynamics and control, avionics, power, or thermal subsystems, or a similar area.
Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python.
Fluency in English.
Willingness to work on-site or hybrid remote under the allowed policy.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
Applicants for a Virginia-based US position must be US citizens, Green Card holders, or otherwise able to meet federal export-control authorization requirements.
Eligible applicants must meet EU and US export-control authorization requirements for access to Space Segment EAR and ITAR information.

Nice To Haves

One to three years of applicable professional experience in satellite engineering and/or operations; experience is desired but not mandatory, and new graduates are welcome.
Knowledge of satellite bus subsystems from one or more of Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed, MAXAR, Northrop Grumman, or Thales.
Additional coursework or knowledge in Computer Science or Data Science.
Fluency in another language.

Responsibilities

Continuously monitor and analyze telemetry data to evaluate satellite health and performance, compare trends with models and predictions, and forecast likely changes, particularly in traffic capacity.
Provide engineering support for satellite requirement definitions, proposal evaluations, negotiations, and design analysis, incorporating operational experience into new satellite procurement.
Support definition of satellite requirements for integration with satellite operations ground-control systems, including creating test plans, conducting acceptance tests, and resolving issues.
Prepare for new satellite launches by supporting manufacturer mission design reviews and post-launch separation and orbit-raising phases.
Develop, validate, and maintain operational procedures, tools, and processes to maintain satellite and service performance, with a focus on task automation.
Advise internal teams and satellite users on satellite capabilities, performance, and operations.
Optimize satellite performance through engineering analysis, modeling, and parameter modifications to meet new business needs.
Support preparation of on-orbit satellite performance reports for internal and external customers.
Perform rotating on-call duties outside regular business hours, including weekends, to support requested operations and emergencies; travel to a local satellite control center may be required.
Investigate system deviations and anomalies and develop and implement recovery procedures.
Collaborate with engineering teams to provide technical guidance and support safe, efficient, and optimal satellite performance.