RF Systems Engineer

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.

RF Systems Engineer

Hybrid from Reston, VA

Position Summary

As a RF Systems Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role within the Systems Engineering group at SES Space & Defense. Your focus? The end-to-end design and development of advanced and experimental solutions for satellite networks. As a subject matter expert, you’ll lead cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with the Space Initiatives business unit. Your responsibilities encompass designing and developing RF systems and subsystems, managing system interfaces, shaping the overall End-to-End system architecture, and fostering strong teamwork skills. You’ll thrive in an ever-evolving landscape, adapting to new challenges with a growth mindset. Your strong communication skills and keen ability to align technical features with business value will be key to success in this position.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Knowledge or background on how orchestration works in a multi-orbit environment. (SES SD’s orchestration refers to the automated arrangement, coordination, and management of various software, services, or components to work together and perform a specific task or process efficiently.)
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and standards for commercial satellite technologies like DIFI, WAVE, eCPRI, etc
• Design, architect, and test software and hardware components in lab/sandbox enterprise and cloud environments (Azure architect experience preferred)
• Define and develop ICDs to manage interfaces with multiple subsystems; Develop procedures and designs for COMSATCOM baseband ground systems, define hardware and software interfaces for GEO, MEO & LEO ground systems
• Lead technical program reviews – Requirements Reviews, PDRs, CDRs, etc
• Develop procedures and designs for RF earth station solutions including antennas, RF electronics, inter-facility connection equipment, and general electrical requirements
• Identify M&C links and optimize processes for control channel transmission of RF Channel Data
• Analyze link budgets to support business development and customer services activities, in particular link/level budget calculations, development of software tools/scripts as necessary, block/design drawing, and other detailed studies in support of gateway ground systems
• Generate ground system integration & test plans, and scenarios to support day-to-day and strategic business activities
• Design remote brownout/blackout solutions for gateway infrastructure and remote terminal/s
• Develop procedures and perform periodic calibration of ground systems
• Travel to USG-designated locations via commercial or Government transportation to support integration and system & acceptance tests
• Support and/or write test plans/procedures (bench tests, system tests, acceptance tests) and document/compile/gather test data/reports for submission to the Government
• Support in applying for a Special Temporary Authorization (STA) to allow use of Ka-band frequencies in the United States
• Provide logistical support to the Program Manager
• Support site surveys
  
  

Required Job Qualifications

• BSEE, or equivalent, plus 3-5 years of related work experience; or MSEE plus 2-4 Years of related work experience
• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain DOD Security clearance
• Strictly adhere to SES SD functional and technical policies and procedures
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Understanding of hardware and software system architectures – OpenVPX, DIFI, WAVE, eCPRI etc
• Ability to bridge the gap between RF Engineering Systems & complex system architectures
• Fundamental understanding of orchestration, e.g., workflow, cloud, network, service, data, as applied to a managed end-to-end service
• Fundamental understanding of IoT/M2M applications and interfaces
• Understanding of REST, Kafka, etc.
• Fundamental understanding of networking technologies - routing & switching, Linux and network automation
• Strong foundational knowledge of college-level Physics and Math
  
  

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Prior experience with satellites operating at various orbit regimes
• Knowledge of SATCOM systems and technologies: Link budgets, modems, Antenna and RF Technologies, and associated system software
• Satellite Communication experience with DVB-S2/S2x, TDMA, SCPC & Hands-on experience with VSAT network products
• Good knowledge of IP Networking protocols and standards, including TCP, UDP, ICMP, IGMP, MPLS, IPSec, Multicast, BGP, etc
• Knowledge of technologies around SD-WAN, Virtualization, Cloud, IoT
  
  

The base salary range for this full-time position is $90,000.00 - $115,000.00 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.