Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

SES•McLean, VA

About The Position

SES is looking for a talented Spacecraft Engineer responsible for Payload subsystems across the SES fleet of GEO and MEO satellites. If you are searching for an engineering function in an international and dynamic environment and you are interested in taking an essential role in next generation satellite connectivity, you can find it at SES. You will be part of the team in charge of GEO and MEO Payload Engineering, within the Satellite Engineering program. In this role, you will be at the forefront of payload in-orbit operations, designing and implementing innovative operational solutions for the SES fleet. Our engineers support satellite mission operations, enhance our performance monitoring and analysis toolkits, and contribute to dynamic end-to-end design solutions. In our team, engineers develop and operate new payload missions, design contingency scenarios for satellite resiliency, and support new spacecraft procurement, launch and in-obit test characterization. Over time, each team member builds a custom skillset and expertise, across a wide technical breadth, to make an impacting contribution to the success of our missions.

Requirements

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or related spacecraft engineering fields/disciplines (Master’s degree preferred).
Specialization in telecommunications preferred.
Demonstrative Experience in digital payload technology and phased array operation is preferred
Previous exposure to satellite operations or satellite constellation operations for LEO/MEO is a plus
At least 8-10 years of professional experience in satellite or telecommunications (RF payload) engineering
Well-versed in end-to-end satellite communication systems, link budget analysis, RF measurement equipment, signal acquisition, processing and analysis
Intermediate or advanced in analytical programming languages (such as Python, visual Basic and/or Matlab).
Familiarity with Web Dev or any Web Development programming languages are a plus
Comfortable with data retrieval, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence
Knowledge and experience in Radio Frequency telecommunications
Ability work on-call

Nice To Haves

A strong sense of initiative, self-starter attitude and willingness to lead new concepts from inception to implementation
Possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Sound theoretical knowledge, and be eager to implement it in a practical environment
Fundamental knowledge on digitally processed RF Payload and Satellite networks
Be able to provide 24/7 on-call support, react to contingencies and cope with high stress situations.
Skilled in developing software for data analysis, data trending, data warehousing and data acquisition.
Intermediate or Advanced in analytical programming languages (e.g, Python,Visual Basic and/or MATLAB).
Familiar with data retrieval, data analytics, or machine learning applications
Comfortable working in Windows and/or Linux environments, familiar with computer networking (e.g. distributed systems, communications protocols, real-time system, IoT, cloud computing)
Ability to effectively respond to and interact with all levels of organizational staff
Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and team-spirit
Willingness to integrate into an international environment

Responsibilities

Have a thorough understanding of end-to-end communications link budgets and satellite RF payload subsystems, including the management of all the equipment on board the spacecraft that is required for proper transmission of the customer data and telecommand/telemetered signals
Monitor health status and provide on-call support for satellites in operation, including recovery and follow-up of eventual spacecraft off-limit conditions, anomalies and service interruptions
Ensure Customer performance in line with SLA terms, maximize satellite availability and longevity
Develop new integrated payload applications and tools required for performance monitoring, operation automation, resource optimization and constellation performance
Lead Payload preparation readiness for new satellite operations, In Orbit Test programs and transition into service, including phasing of MEO satellites into constellation.
Support the design and procurement of new MEO and GEO satellites including software defined flexible satellites, with advanced functionality digital processing and beamforming.
Contribute to payload subsystem equipment’s and system design reviews, integration, ground and in-orbit testing.
Work with Adaptive Resource Optimizer and Allocator ground-based software systems to integrate spacecraft payload data models and In-orbit calibration system functionality
Integrate into the Technology environment, as a payload subject matter expert for payload operations engineers in areas such as dsp, phased arrays, RF analysis & simulation, and link analysis
Lead development and preparation of operational solutions for customer end-to-end productization, fleet management and spacecraft anomalies and contingency operations