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Principal Systems Engineer

DRS Global
United States, Virginia, Reston
11790 Sunrise Valley Drive (Show on map)
Apr 16, 2025

SES Space & Defense is a trusted partner ensuring mission success for our customers by blanketing the globe with multi orbit end to end satellite and technology solutions which provide reliable, secure, and high bandwidth connectivity. We strive to be the only solution when success is critical, and we will take care of our employees because we recognize they are our competitive advantage.The SES S&D Team, along with our customers and partners, will achieve success through integrity, honor, and commitment.

Principal Systems Engineer

Hybrid from Reston, VA or Tampa, FL

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Are you ready to lead the way in satellite technology? As a key member of the SES-SD Systems Engineering team, you'll provide technical leadership in ground systems operations, maintenance, and system enhancement. In this dynamic role, you'll manage the implementation of ground systems and TT&C/Data infrastructure for our GEO/MEO satellites. You'll lead cross-departmental teams to design and deliver cutting-edge ground systems for the next generation of GEO/MEO satellite networks.

If you're passionate about innovation and eager to make a significant impact, we want you to help shape the future of satellite technology at SES!

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES



  • Lead the analysis, design, and specification of SES's Next Generation Teleport Communications Systems, Ground Monitoring & Control Systems, and any ground system that SES needs to fulfill their mission on a global basis
  • Efficiently own, follow-up, and support the implementation of the project, including:

    • Requirements collection/definition (for all system aspects of the final function)
    • Project setup including budgeting and budget ownership during the project execution
    • Project/program management (including design/development or procurement) - identifying the required resources (e.g., contractors and suppliers) in an integrated approach towards the internal or external stakeholders


  • This includes the successful design and specification of, for example:

    • Fixed and mobile earth station and teleport/gateway solutions for video/data transmissions (includes: antenna, HPA, waveguide, switch matrix, converters, modulators, electrical & optical inter-facility links)
    • Content/data/IF/RF spectrum measurement and monitoring and control systems
    • Site facility infrastructure or IT infrastructure as required for such ground-based systems


  • Perform transmission analysis, in particular link/level budget calculations, block/design drawing, and other detailed/complex studies of any SatCom system in support of business development and customer services. This includes the generation of RFP documents as well as the preparation and execution of factory and site acceptance tests
  • Perform and participate in ground system integration and test and operational validation of the ground segment, including the generation of test plans and procedures and participation in system acceptance testing, ground readiness tests, and network readiness tests
  • In the frame of cross-sectional (or externally supported) projects, lead expert teams about project-specific direction/objective setting, prioritization of tasks, and technical/financial supervision
  • Deliver clear, concise, timely, and constructive technical guidance and cooperative support to peers/customers in- and outside the company as an established expert in the satellite and terrestrial ground engineering field and act as a trusted representative of the team and the company
  • Assist in the development and operational validation of new products, systems, procedures, and tools
  • Technical interface to vendors providing MEO compatible antennas, RF components, and baseband equipment; coordinating corrective actions and product improvements
  • Provide Engineering leadership in the testing, monitoring, and ongoing support of the Ground Infrastructure at SES Networks and Customer facilities located worldwide
  • Work with local site personnel on problem identification and resolution, perform root cause analysis, and support logistics functions for defective parts return and repair by vendors



REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS



  • BS in Engineering or equivalent experience with communications satellite systems
  • 10 years' experience in the satellite and/or telecommunications industry
  • 7+ years' experience in developing and/or maintaining satellite terminal systems, or satellite-based networking & data systems
  • Willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD Security clearance
  • Experience troubleshooting, operating, and maintaining local and remote baseband, IF, RF, antennas, and WAN/LAN equipment
  • Solid working knowledge of Satellite Communications Baseband, Network Management, and modem systems equipment
  • Experienced in developing, and maintaining, high availability satellite or telecommunications systems through the use of manned and unmanned facilities
  • Complete understanding of GEO, MEO, and LEO telecommunications satellite technologies and systems
  • Ability to travel, up to 10% of time



PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS



  • Active DOD Security Clearance
  • Previous Ka-Band systems experience
  • VSAT experience
  • Working knowledge of IP routing, networking and some scripting or software development



The base salary range for this full-time position is $145,000.00 - $165,000.00 + bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. SES Space & Defense is committed to workplace diversity, equity & inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.#LI-Hybrid #LI-DR1

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