(Senior) Manager, Satellite Platform Engineering

SES•McLean, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Satellite Platform Engineering leads a team of engineering experts responsible for the ADCS, Propulsion, Data Handling, Power and Thermal Subsystems for a SES fleet (GEO & MEO) and deliver on the Space Engineering departments’ goals and mission. Ensure highest satellite service availability by managing and coaching a team of highly specialized engineering experts in all phases of a satellite life cycle from satellite specification to build phase and operations. Ensure satellite health and safety is maintained all along its life cycle and provide effective response in case of satellite anomaly. Define satellite specifications, support contract negotiation and procurement activities.

Requirements

Engineering degree with at least 10 years of applicable experience in Space Engineering Operations and/or procurement.
Technical expert with acquired in-depth knowledge and operational experience in spacecraft engineering through education and working experience, with strong background in ADCS, Power, Thermal and Propulsion.
Have demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, complex projects and coordinating cross-functional team consisting of internal and external parties.
Have demonstrated ability to communicate at all levels of the internal organization and provide high quality / quantity of expertise across space systems.
Have demonstrated ability to manage and motivate team of engineering experts.
For US based positions: must be US Citizen or Green Card Holder.

Nice To Haves

Energy and ability to motivate, manage and coach a team of engineers in different locations
Leadership skills, including communication, presentation, facilitation, stakeholder management, prioritization and conflict management
Relentless focus on collaboration and teamwork
Ability to manage effectively complex projects
A passionate desire to take the organization as far as it can go
Understanding of the criticality of satellite operations and associated ground software
Commitment to deadlines and willingness to meet the needs of 24x7 environment

Responsibilities

Coach, mentor and lead a team of satellite engineers to help them deliver on their objectives, grow within their role, and develop within the organization.
Assess new talent, hiring, and training new people into the team, and helping them integrate into SES.
Deliver upon operational KPI maximizing satellite availability and longevity.
Manage 24/7 Emergency on-call engineering support to operations, ensuring efficient training and accreditation on-call process.
Ensure satellite health and performance is evaluated by continuous surveillance and analysis of telemetry data, trend it against model and/or predictions and forecast likely changes, particularly with regard to traffic capacity.
Ensure properly validated procedures and tools are in place for operations of each satellite.
Ensure effective operations on-call support for satellites in operation, including recovery and follow-up of eventual spacecraft off-limit conditions, anomalies and service interruptions.
Lead analysis of satellite malfunctions and anomalous behavior. Liaise with the satellite supplier and other parties as necessary to complete the analysis including root cause identification.
Define and negotiate satellite subsystem technical specifications to achieve business needs.
Promote application of lessons learned from previous experience in satellite procurement and operations into the development of new spacecraft.
Provide senior managerial expertise in satellite procurement and ensure satellite delivery is compliant to technical specifications.
Ensure expert participation in new satellite design, manufacturing, test readiness, material and failure reviews.
Ensure smooth integration of new satellites into the operation of the existing fleet.
Ensure required engineering analyses, modelling and parameter modifications are performed to optimize satellite performances or adapt them to new business needs.
Provide expert technical advice and recommendations to other people in SES Group and to satellite users pertaining to satellite performance.
Drive adoption and efficient use of new technology in the team.
Promote continuous innovation.