Chief Engineer, Payload Integration
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled spacecraft and payload systems engineers is on the rise, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year. As the space industry continues to evolve, companies like SES Space & Defense are seeking experts who can lead complex payload missions from concept to launch. With the shift towards remote work, candidates with strong communication and leadership skills are in high demand. Before applying, it's essential to have a deep understanding of spacecraft payload integration and experience with technical risk mitigation. SES Space & Defense stands out as an equal opportunity employer offering remote work options and a chance to work on cutting-edge technology.
Job Description
About the Role
The Chief Engineer, Payload Integration position is a critical role at SES Space & Defense, where you will serve as the technical authority for hosted payload missions. Your expertise will be crucial in leading payload development from early mission concept through integration, launch, and on-orbit operations. As a payload-focused Chief Engineer, you will own payload performance, payload-to-bus integration, technical risk retirement, and mission success across various payload types.The role requires a deep understanding of spacecraft payload integration, including mechanical, thermal, structural, electrical, power, RF, avionics, software, and mission operations domains. You will be responsible for defining and managing payload requirements, interface control documents, verification plans, and configuration baselines. Your leadership skills will be essential in driving technical alignment across internal and external teams.
The space industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and innovations emerging every day. As a Chief Engineer at SES Space & Defense, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to the development of advanced payload systems.
What You Will Do
- Lead payload architecture, accommodation trades, and technical decision-making across hosted payload and payload-centric mission opportunities
- Define and manage payload requirements, interface control documents, verification plans, and configuration baselines
- Own payload performance, payload-to-bus integration, technical risk retirement, and mission success across communications, sensing, compute, and advanced technology payloads
- Operate as a payload-focused Chief Engineer, leading payload development from early mission concept through integration, launch, and on-orbit operations
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical alignment and ensure mission success
- Develop and manage payload integration schedules, budgets, and resource allocation
- Conduct technical risk assessments and mitigation activities
- Support GEO and/or MEO missions, hosted payloads, multi-tenant spacecraft, or advanced payload architectures
- Interface with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, contractors, and regulatory bodies
What We Are Looking For
- Deep understanding of spacecraft payload integration across mechanical, thermal, structural, electrical, power, RF, avionics, software, and mission operations domains
- Experience leading requirements development, interface management, verification and validation, configuration management, and technical risk mitigation activities
- Strong familiarity with spacecraft integration and test environments, including cleanroom operations, environmental testing, EGSE/MGSE, and spacecraft-level integration workflows
- Experience supporting GEO and/or MEO missions, hosted payloads, multi-tenant spacecraft, or advanced payload architectures
- Familiarity with RF communications systems, sensing payloads, onboard processing systems, and mission operations concepts
- Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
Nice to Have
- Experience with payload-centric mission opportunities and hosted payload missions
- Knowledge of advanced payload systems, including compute, sensing, and communications payloads
- Familiarity with spacecraft bus systems, including power, thermal, and propulsion systems
- Experience with mission operations, including launch, on-orbit operations, and anomaly resolution
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and contribute to the development of advanced payload systems
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Remote work options and flexible working hours
- Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies
- Recognition and reward for outstanding performance
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
- Generous paid time off and holiday leave
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of spacecraft payload integration and technical risk mitigation to stand out as a candidate.
- Highlight your experience with payload-centric mission opportunities and hosted payload missions in your resume and cover letter.
- Familiarize yourself with SES Space & Defense's products and services to demonstrate your interest in the company and role.
- Prepare to discuss your leadership and communication skills, as well as your ability to drive technical alignment across internal and external teams.
- Be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience with payload development, integration, and launch, as well as your ability to manage technical risk and ensure mission success.
- Consider obtaining a TS/SCI clearance to increase your chances of being selected for the role.
- Research the company culture and values to ensure you align with SES Space & Defense's mission and vision.
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