Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload

SES

Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

As a Payload Engineer, you will be responsible for monitoring satellite health and providing on-call support to resolve spacecraft anomalies, ensuring safe and continuous operations. Your focus will be on maximizing the availability and longevity of our GEO and MEO satellite fleet while ensuring customer satisfaction in alignment with SLA terms. In addition to supporting spacecraft operations, you will maintain earth station testing equipment through both hardware and software enhancement, integration, and development used for in-orbit testing (IOT). This role offers the opportunity to tackle complex technical challenges and contribute to the success of satellite missions while enhancing your expertise in the field.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

Maximize satellite fleet availability and longevity, ensuring customer satisfaction aligned with SLA terms. Advance payload automation applications through definition of operations requirements, use cases, test and validation plans and reports for software development teams. Support payload mission service reconfigurations for the global fleet. Assess link budget for payload/satellite RF interference scenarios, identify operational mitigation solutions for payload subsystem mission configuration to meet E2E SLA performance. Track and resolve payload non-compliances in E2E service configuration. Develop, enhance or debug integrated payload and RF monitoring applications and tools required for hardware and performance monitoring, operation automation, resource optimisation and constellation performance. Offer payload expertise on satellite performance, and as a component interface in end-to-end communication link design. Work with Adaptive Resource Optimizer and Allocator ground‑based software systems to integrate spacecraft payload data models and In‑orbit calibration system functionality. Develop end‑to‑end payload RF and command configuration operational procedures, use case, test procedure algorithms, and test & validation plans/reports. Prepare for and manage spacecraft contingency operations, including innovative solutions for satellite and fleet‑level resilience. Collaborate in payload missions, operations and integration of new satellites into constellation, including IOT as well as transition and phasing for start‑of‑service. Support the design, procurement, testing, and integration of new satellites, including in‑orbit testing and phasing into the constellation. Analyse satellite malfunctions and provide guidance during anomalies and emergencies. Contribute to RF data processing, payload performance analysis, and phased array calibration and corrections for on‑demand adjustments. Develop training material and deliver technical training to internal teams. Support as an on‑call engineering function for payload anomaly response for in‑service operations. Utilize test instruments to integrate and measure earth station components and subsystem performance per design and specification documents (is a plus). Interface with vendors to procure the necessary hardware to upgrade and update earth stations outfitted with our testing equipment (is a plus). Collaborate with multiple departments across the company to coordinate testing, installation, shipping, and requirements for testing equipment (is a plus). Build tools for and perform data processing and analysis in support of payload IOT and day‑to‑day operations.

COMPETENCIES

Technical Proficiency: Strong skills in analyzing satellite payload systems, diagnosing issues, and interpreting data, including evaluating performance metrics and troubleshooting. Problem‑Solving: Excellent at resolving issues, especially under pressure, with the ability to quickly assess critical situations and propose effective solutions. Initiative and Ownership: Proactive in taking on challenges, valuing teamwork in multi‑disciplinary environment and actively seeks input to ensure mission success. Adaptability Flexible in responding to new challenges, technology changes, and unexpected requirements. Interpersonal Communication: Strong ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences and work effectively with cross‑functional teams. Reporting and Documentation: Skilled in preparing and presenting technical reports and documentation for both internal teams and clients. Continuous Improvement: Committed to excellence and driven to learn about advancements in technology and payload innovations. Growth Mindset: Embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and personal/professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

University degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Aerospace Engineering or similar field(s). Masters is preferred. Min 8 years of professional experience in telecommunications. Knowledge of satellite payload systems, including on‑board equipment. Experience or exposure to digital payload and phased array technology is a plus. Knowledgeable in end‑to‑end satellite communication systems, link budget analysis, RF measurement equipment, signal acquisition, processing and analysis. Hands‑on intermediate experience in analytical programming languages such as python, visual basis, xml, C/C++, or MATLAB is a preferred. Exposure of data retrieval, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence is a plus. Understanding of satellite operations in LEO or MEO or GEO. Be able to interact with vendor, customers, satellite manufacturers and other satellite operators.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

Availability for on‑call duties. Willingness to travel internationally. Flexibility to support in‑orbit testing missions, including evening and night hours. SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr SES

Vacancy posted 3 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload in Mc Lean, VA vacancy
  • SES Satellites, located in McLean, VA, is seeking a Senior Engineer for spacecraft subsystems and payload. This role involves monitoring satellite health and providing on-call support for spacecraft anomalies, ensuring operational success and customer satisfaction. The... 
    Senior

    SES Satellites

    Mc Lean, VA
    4 days ago
  • SES is seeking a Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload, in McLean, Virginia. This role involves monitoring satellite health and providing on-call support to resolve spacecraft anomalies, ensuring the safety and availability of our satellite fleet. You'll work... 
    Senior

    SES

    Mc Lean, VA
    3 days ago
  • $120k - $200k

    Forterra Inc. is seeking a senior software engineer in Arlington, VA, to develop software solutions for autonomous systems. The ideal candidate...  ...with hardware integration. Responsibilities include deploying payloads, optimizing vehicle behavior, and collaborating with teams... 
    Senior

    Forterra Inc.

    Arlington, VA
    3 days ago
  •  ...Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA or Denver, CO is seeking an Electrical Engineer III/IV to lead the design, development, integration and testing of spacecraft Avionics, Power, or Communications subsystems. You will own subsystem architectures, define interfaces, and drive... 
    Senior

    Quantum Space

    Rockville, MD
    4 days ago
  • EVONA is hiring a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in avionics systems in Washington D.C. You'll lead the development of spacecraft avionics across missions, ensuring highly reliable...  ...expertise in defining architectures and subsystem interactions, alongside experience... 
    Senior

    EVONA

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  • $145k - $195k

    Who We’re Looking For Quantum Space is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own flight hardware development on our Spacecraft Programs. This role is built for an engineer who can take a subsystem/component from requirements to a released design, through build, integration... 
    Senior
    Permanent employment

    Quantum Space

    Rockville, MD
    4 days ago
  • Integration Innovation, Inc. is looking for a skilled RF Engineer to support the Naval Research Laboratory. The role involves designing RF subsystems for threat simulators and ensuring effectiveness against emerging threats. The successful candidate will have a BS or MS... 
    Senior

    Integration Innovation, Inc.

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  • $130k - $170k

    Senior Mission Operations Vehicle Engineer Senior Mission Operations Vehicle Engineer 1 week ago...  ...lead execution of daily spacecraft operations, including planning...  ...of spacecraft subsystems (e.g., ADCS, power, comms, thermal, payload.) Experience establishing... 
    Senior
    Odd job
    Permanent employment
    Full time
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work
    Flexible hours
    Shift work
    Night shift
    Weekend work

    Umbra

    Arlington, VA
    4 days ago
  • Forterra is seeking a senior software engineer in Arlington, VA, to design and develop software solutions for robotics and automation. The ideal candidate will have a strong software development background, excellent skills in C/C++, and experience with robotics systems... 
    Senior
    Full time

    Forterra

    Arlington, VA
    1 day ago
  • $145k - $195k

    Quantum Space in Rockville, MD is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead flight hardware development for next-generation spacecraft. The role involves ownership of components from design to integration, extensive collaboration with teams, and ensuring quality... 
    Senior

    Quantum Space

    Rockville, MD
    4 days ago
  • $125k - $175k

    Quantum Space is looking for a Spacecraft Structural Engineer III in Rockville, Maryland. This role involves leading the design and analysis of structural systems for spacecraft, ensuring their integrity through rigorous testing and collaboration with various engineering... 
    Senior

    Quantum Space

    Rockville, MD
    4 days ago
  • Senior Electrical Engineer - Avionics Systems We are working with an exciting Space...  ...to take ownership of spacecraft avionics development across...  ...Lead spacecraft avionics subsystem development from early architecture...  ...flight software, GNC and payload subsystems. Author and... 
    Senior

    EVONA

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  • $100k - $153k

     ...responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more...  ...payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in...  ...most ambitious space missions. SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER SENIOR I/II As a Mechanical... 
    Senior
    Permanent employment
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Rocket Lab

    Silver Spring, MD
    3 days ago
  • Quantum Space in Rockville, Maryland is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer III to lead the thermal design and validation efforts for our spacecraft programs. You will work closely with a dynamic team of engineers to ensure effective thermal control solutions... 
    Senior

    Quantum Space

    Rockville, MD
    4 days ago
  • A cutting-edge aerospace company in Washington, DC, is seeking a Senior Structural Engineer to lead the design and analysis of advanced satellite subsystems. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in space hardware design, proficiency in 3D CAD and FEA... 
    Senior
    Remote job

    Magma Space

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  • Quantum Space is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer in Rockville, Maryland, to lead the development of thermal control solutions for spacecraft. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of relevant experience, mastery of thermal analysis tools, and a strong... 
    Senior

    Quantum Space

    Rockville, MD
    4 days ago
  • Peraton is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Electrical Engineer in Washington, DC, to design and develop spacecraft power systems and electronics. This role requires collaboration with a team to create innovative control electronics and health monitoring systems. The ideal candidate... 
    Senior
    Remote work

    Peraton

    Washington DC
    4 days ago
  • A technology-driven aerospace company is seeking a Senior Mission Operations Vehicle Engineer to oversee spacecraft operations and support a high-performance satellite constellation. The role involves mentoring team members, improving operational processes, and collaborating... 
    Senior
    Flexible hours

    Umbra

    Arlington, VA
    4 days ago
  • $135k - $190k

     ...seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior Mechanical Engineer to support work at the Naval...  ...hands‑on experience with aerospace or spacecraft hardware and a strong understanding...  ...platforms Take ownership of mechanical subsystems from initial concept through environmental... 
    Senior
    Work experience placement
    Flexible hours

    Technology Service Corporation Defense Services

    Washington DC
    2 days ago
  •  ...Job Description OUSW (R&E) is seeking a highly skilled senior software systems engineer to be the technical lead for a complex project involving the...  ...multiple industry partners into vehicle platforms and payloads from other industry partners. Coordinate System Eng & Architecture... 
    Senior
    Work at office
    Night shift

    SOSi

    Falls Church, VA
    1 day ago
  • $150k - $190k

    SES Satellites is seeking a (Senior) Engineer, DSP Systems Engineering to develop cutting-edge algorithms for satellite payloads. This role involves designing and validating signal processing blocks in ASIC and FPGA technology. The successful candidate will collaborate... 
    Senior

    SES Satellites

    Mc Lean, VA
    4 days ago
  • A leading aerospace firm in McLean, Virginia, is seeking a skilled Software Engineer to develop software for satellite systems. You will enhance space-based payload execution, migrating legacy systems to a new Rust-based architecture. The ideal candidate has over 7 years... 
    Senior
    Work at office
    3 days per week

    Spire

    Mc Lean, VA
    5 days ago
  • $175k - $225k

     ...by mission. About the Team Electrical engineering is central to Besxar’s ability to turn...  ...across power electronics, avionics, RF subsystems, instrumentation, DAQ, test interfaces,...  ...mixed-signal interfaces, RF signal chains, spacecraft instrumentation, DAQ systems, and... 
    Senior
    Permanent employment

    BESXAR

    Washington DC
    9 hours ago
  • $100k - $140k

     ...Amentum is seeking a Sr. Electrical Engineer with 12+ years of experience. This person provides engineering expertise in support...  ...Develop, maintain, and produce technical documentation and system/subsystem specifications. Direct interface and liaison with internal... 
    Senior
    Hourly pay
    Contract work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work

    Amentum

    McLean, VA
    3 days ago
  • $80k - $120k

     ...Description SAIC is seeking a System Safety Engineer to provide critical safety engineering analysis and support for...  ...deployment phases of this next-generation weapons system, focusing on subsystem or whole-system safety, as required. This role requires... 
    Senior
    For subcontractor
    Interim role
    Work at office
    Remote work

    SAIC

    McLean, VA
    5 days ago
  •  ...Senior Compliance Engineer, AI Governance True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures...  ...for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling... 
    Senior
    Permanent employment

    True Anomaly

    Washington DC
    3 days ago
  • $150k - $190k

     ...Location(s): Betzdorf, LU; McLean, VA, US; Long Beach, CA, US (Senior) Engineer, DSP Systems Engineering, meoSphere Programme Description...  ...integration of partner satellite platforms with SES’s software-defined payloads, all within a cutting-edge manufacturing and test facility.... 
    Senior
    Permanent employment
    Full time
    Contract work
    Work experience placement
    Local area

    SES Satellites

    Mc Lean, VA
    4 days ago
  •  ...Position Overview Senior Engineer with TS/SCI security clearance to support KMS and our government customer at the Pentagon, Arlington, VA. This position is for a Future New Business Opportunity. Benefits Competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including... 
    Senior
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Koniag Government Services

    Arlington, VA
    2 days ago
  • $100k - $160k

     ...responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more...  ...payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in...  ...ambitious space missions. SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER I/II As a Senior Mechanical... 
    Senior
    Permanent employment
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Rocket Lab Corporation

    Silver Spring, MD
    28 days ago
  •  ...Senior Circuit Engineer ValidaTek is searching for a Senior Circuit Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of complex circuit layouts that support a large DoD IT infrastructure program providing a common view for all enterprise-wide users. Responsibilities... 
    Senior
    Contract work
    Local area

    ValidaTek

    Arlington, VA
    5 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Senior Engineer, Spacecraft Subsystems, Payload. Be the first to apply!