Senior Satellite Payload Operations Engineer

Globalstar•Milpitas, CA

3d•$135,000 - $155,000

About The Position

The Senior Satellite Payload Operations Engineer is a hands-on lead responsible for supporting the operation, monitoring, and health of Globalstar’s current and future satellite payloads. Working with engineers and satellite operators, the role monitors and analyzes payload telemetry, identifies and troubleshoots anomalies, develops and maintains operational procedures and tools, supports payload configuration changes, and performs in-orbit testing to ensure payload health and performance throughout the mission lifecycle. The position also supports real-time payload operations, payload management instructions, ground antenna RF testing, and interference investigations. It provides engineering support to other groups, collaborates with external vendors, and reviews vendor design and test data to help ensure satellite requirements are met. The role may mentor junior engineers and perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical, Aerospace, or a closely related Engineering field.
At least 7 years of experience in satellite engineering, spacecraft operations, payload operations, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated experience supporting satellite payload operations.
Experience developing, validating, maintaining, and executing satellite operational procedures and scripts.
Experience with satellite telemetry monitoring, trending, analysis, and anomaly investigation.
Experience participating in real-time nominal operations, anomaly response, troubleshooting, and recovery.
Experience developing and maintaining telemetry dashboards and operational monitoring tools.
Experience with mission operations software such as Intermission or similar platforms.
Experience developing engineering tools or automation using Python or similar scripting languages.
Knowledge of satellite payload systems and their interactions with satellite and ground systems.
Existing knowledge of payload systems design and architecture.
Hands-on experience testing with common RF equipment and understanding of general RF testing methodologies.
Good knowledge of payload unit, subsystem, and system-level test plans, including reviewing RF data and developing tools to parse and trend RF data.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks.
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Familiarity with NetSuite.
Strong problem-solving skills, especially under time constraints, and ability to identify and seek needed information.
Willingness and ability to travel as needed and work after regularly scheduled hours as needed.
Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods (4 to 8 hours), operate job-related equipment, and lift 15 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of payload subsystems such as passive antennas, frequency conversion schemes, up and down converters, digital channelizers, telemetry transmitters and command receivers, fixed and steerable beamforming concepts, and phased-array technology.
Experience developing and maintaining dashboards for satellite telemetry monitoring, trending, and analysis.
Experience supporting LEO satellite constellation operations.
Experience with payload in-orbit testing (IOT) and RF payload performance analysis.
Experience developing automated satellite operational procedures, scripts, or engineering tools.
Experience supporting satellite simulations, mission rehearsals, and operational readiness activities.
Master’s degree in Electrical, Aerospace, or a closely related Engineering field.

Responsibilities

Perform duties related to payload operations and be on call as needed to lead payload anomalies and assist with resolution.
Perform payload in-orbit tests on current and future constellations to assess payload health, trend telemetry, and analyze key payload parameters.
Perform and execute Payload Management Instructions operations.
Maintain payload configuration, document changes, and optimize payload performance.
Write, validate, maintain, refine, and execute payload and telemetry-and-command operational procedures and scripts.
Develop and maintain payload telemetry dashboards and displays using mission operations tools.
Monitor and analyze real-time and long-term payload telemetry to identify trends, anomalous behavior, and changes in performance.
Develop and maintain tools and automation to streamline payload monitoring, analysis, and satellite operations.
Participate in real-time payload operations for nominal operations, anomaly detection, troubleshooting, and recovery.
Support ground antenna RF testing and interference investigation.
Provide feedback on vendor design and test data and help ensure vendor satellite requirements are met.
Provide engineering support to other groups and work with external vendors.
Mentor junior engineers as required.
Perform other related duties as assigned.