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Systems & Test

Senior Satellite Systems Engineer

SES logoSES~$113k–$190k/yrtypicalSterling, VA, United StatesAdded 1w ago

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This posting does not state its pay. Open systems engineer jobs in Virginia post a median of $157k a year, the middle half $122k–$182k, across 58 jobs that state their pay.

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About the job

## Senior Satellite Systems Engineer The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs. ## ROLE DESCRIPTION As the Senior Satellite Systems Engineer, Space Programmes, you will be responsible for providing resident systems engineering support to all phases of the satellite procurement programs which includes participation the Design Reviews, test reviews and failure reviews as well as meticulous oversight throughout all phases of the spacecraft Design, Assembly, Integration, and Launch Campaign.

You will be part of the SES Resident Field Office Team located at spacecraft manufacturer premises. You will review and trend the test data for the platform equipment at unit, subsystems and system level tests and provide technical support to the Field Office Program Manager on investigations, resolutions and corrective actions.

As a Senior Satellite Systems Engineer, Space Programmes, you will be responsible to : - Ensure that the specification of each platform equipment unit meets the end-to-end system performance and functional requirements - Provide technical assessment related to platform units and subsystem definition and development, requirements, analysis, trade-offs, budgets, validation and tests - Identify, assess & mitigate technical risks associated with spacecraft bus, develop contingency plans. - Ensure that all platform unit, subsystem and system test procedures comply with the contractual requirements - Participate in design, test readiness, material and failure review meetings at manufacturer sub- and prime-contractor facilities as needed - Critically examine the anomaly investigation results to root cause analysis and verify corrective actions are implemented - Follow-up of platform components through build, test and integration into next higher assembly - Perform the overall and Spacecraft platform test data review for compliance with requirements - Monitor daily activities at spacecraft manufacturer facilities - Provide oversight of activities at Manufacturer and Subcontractor facilities as needed - Perform inspections and reviews as needed - Review design, manufacturing and test documentation - Ensure the program action items are adequately addressed and closed - Provide summary reports of issues and recommended actions - Provide 24/7 on-call support during spacecraft testing and single line flow - Support launch site activities in preparation for launch - Support the operational team during LEOP critical activities or in case of anomaly COMPETENCIES - High level knowledge in satellite subsystems and ability to challenge industry expert in their field - Self-Starter with a high level of personal accountability - Prioritization - Team Player - Demonstrated influencing and negotiation skills - A willingness to be self-critical, continuously improves skills, learn from mistakes, acts within her or his circle of competence and knows their boundaries ## QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE - Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or related discipline - 8+ years of experience in space systems engineering or spacecraft bus engineering. - Strong knowledge of spacecraft bus systems - Experience working with a spacecraft bus supplier and in AIT environment - Good knowledge of space product and quality assurance processes - Agile, flexible and able to work across a geographically distributed team - Excellent communication skills - Strong ability in persuasive and diplomatic communication to inspire collaboration and drive collective goal achievement - Highly organized, capable of tracking multiple streams of critical activities at once - Project/execution orientation: able to drive initiatives, handle schedule/criticality - Eligibility to obtain security clearance - Strong ability to work independently and with limited supervision in complex environments, including multi-stakeholder projects - Flexibility and adaptability in response to evolving project requirements and dynamic environments - Ability to think strategically and align project goals with organizational objectives - Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities - Effective communication skills, both written and verbal OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS - Willing to work at least 80% onsite from office, preferably 100%. - Willingness to travel (supplier visits) - 30% domestic and international travel 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. For more information on SES, click here .

From SES's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.

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About SES

Runs satellites in geostationary and medium Earth orbit, Intelsat's fleet now included.

Pay on its listings: 16.4% of its open jobs state an hourly rate

How it pays: Paid as an employee of SES, under the employment terms each posting states.

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