MEO Payload System and Test Engineer

SES • Long Beach, CA

74d

About The Position

MEO100 is the next generation of SES's Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. It is designed to provide secure connectivity services for governments, enterprises, and commercial customers, while ensuring reliable high-speed broadband access to underserved regions. We are seeking a highly skilled Payload Engineer to play a central role in the design, integration, testing, and optimisation of advanced satellite payloads. This position requires expertise in payload architecture, RF systems, digital on-board processing, inter-satellite links, DRA antennas, and end-to-end testing strategies-both on the ground and in orbit. As part of an agile, international team, you will work closely with platform engineers, subsystem suppliers, and external partners to ensure mission success. Adaptability, strong collaboration skills, and a problem-solving mindset are essential to thrive in this role.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics.
• 8+ years of experience in satellite payload or systems engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in laboratory, field, or in-orbit testing of communications systems.
• Fluency in English; other languages are considered an asset.
• Eligibility for National/NATO SECRET personnel security clearances is essential.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with NewSpace development approaches.

Responsibilities

• Translate payload architecture specifications into system and subsystem testing requirements.
• Drive payload calibration strategies and support overall performance optimisation.
• Define and manage all mechanical, electrical, and thermal interfaces for payload subsystems and equipment suppliers.
• Design, specify, and document payload harness interfaces with the platform and across test environments.
• Define payload and subsystem test requirements in line with the requirements matrix.
• Design and implement test setups across laboratory environments and project phases.
• Develop AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Test) procedures, including automated test frameworks.
• Lead testing strategies to maximise technical performance and cost efficiency.
• Establish and operate payload equipment in a comprehensive payload test facility.
• Perform hands-on hardware testing using VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Telecommunications
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees