Chief Engineer - Payload Systems Engineering

SES Space and Defense

Reston, VA, US
On-site
Payload architecture and accommodation trades
Payload-bus integration authority
Verification and validation plans
SES Space and Defense is seeking a Chief Engineer for Payload Systems Engineering to lead the design, development, integration, and testing of payload systems for satellite missions. The role requires extensive expertise in spacecraft payload engineering and a collaborative approach to manage cross-disciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in payload ownership from concept through to on-orbit commissioning

Job Summary

  • Serve as the technical lead for the end-to-end design, development, integration, test, deployment, and on-orbit commissioning of hosted payloads and payload-centric missions on GEO and MEO spacecraft.
  • Own payload performance, payload-to-bus interfaces, and overall mission success across a broad range of payload types.
  • Collaborate closely with heritage spacecraft primes and next-generation spacecraft manufacturers to drive requirements, manage interfaces, lead verification and validation efforts, and retire technical risk.

Matching Summary

Match Score: 85

SES Space and Defense is seeking a Chief Engineer for Payload Systems Engineering to lead the design, development, integration, and testing of payload systems for satellite missions. The role requires extensive expertise in spacecraft payload engineering and a collaborative approach to manage cross-disciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in payload ownership from concept through to on-orbit commissioning.

Skills & Requirements

Must-have

  • Payload architecture and accommodation trades
  • Payload-bus integration authority
  • Verification and validation plans
  • Payload integration and execution
  • On-orbit payload checkout
  • Hosted payload opportunity management

Nice-to-have

  • Collaborative team player
  • Mentors and trains colleagues
  • Non-territorial, high-trust engineering culture

Key Requirements

  • BS + 15 years or MS + 12 years experience
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain up to TS/SCI clearance

Work Rights

Must have US citizenship

Tailored Resume

Cover Letter