(Senior) Engineer, Payload IRIS2

ProgramME Description

IRIS2 is the new European Union secure satellite constellation. This project is the European Union's answer to the pressing challenges of tomorrow to provide secure connectivity services and enhanced communication capacities to the EU and its Member States as well as to governmental users, private companies and European citizens while ensuring high-speed internet broadband to cope with connectivity dead zones.

SES – together with other consortium partners and core members - was selected by European Commission to build and to operate the IRIS2 multi-orbit satellite constellation.

The IRIS2 team enters the next project phase and there is a strong need for support for all the activities around service provisioning and products that the system can offer in the future. 

Role description summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Payload System Engineer to lead the definition, integration, and optimization of advanced satellite payloads. This role involves technical leadership across antenna design, on-board processing (OBP), optical inter-satellite links (OISL), and system-level payload architecture. You will work in close collaboration with platform teams, subsystem suppliers, and external partners to ensure mission success.

You will be part of an agile project organization where a flexible way of working and an adaptive mindset is required.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Payload Architecture & Design:

• • Analyze and describe trade space in antenna design by evaluating parameters such as field of view, number of elements, RF power pool, and number of beams to identify optimal design regions.

  • Produce high-level payload definition documents and mini-specs with target requirements and performance metrics for antenna, OBP, and OISL subsystems.

  • Outline self-calibration strategies and define overall payload performance goals.

• Systems Engineering & Integration:

• • Generate Study Phase Statements of Work (SoWs) for payload and subsystem activities aligned with requirements documentation.

  • Define and describe the distribution of control plane functions across the platform on-board computer, OBP, and antenna subsystems in coordination with spacecraft platform teams.

  • Identify and characterize all internal and external mechanical, electrical, and thermal interfaces for payload subsystems and equipment suppliers.

  • Support co-engineering discussions with candidate partners for subsystem development and implementation, including tailoring documentation to specific partner technologies.

• Interface & Performance Optimization:

• • Collaborate with payload and platform partners to optimize electrical, thermal, and power interfaces.

  • Contribute to the definition of testing strategies to maximize technical and cost performance metrics of the satellite.

• Risk Management & Reporting:

• • Generate and maintain risk registers, identifying and reporting technical and programmatic risks throughout the payload development lifecycle.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work independently and with limited supervision in complex environments, e.g. project or matrix organizations

• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing project requirements and environments

• Ability to think strategically and align project goals with organizational objectives

• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities

• Deep understanding of satellite payload subsystems and their interactions.

• Strong analytical skills for trade-off analysis and performance optimization.

• Ability to view payload design holistically and understand cross-functional impacts.

• Creative approach to identifying sweet spots in design trade spaces.

• Proactive in proposing solutions and adapting to evolving technical challenges.

• Excellent communication across technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder coordination skills.

Qualifications Background and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience in satellite payload or systems engineering.

• Experience with payload integration, interface definition, and system-level trade studies.

• Experience with optical inter-satellite links and on-board processing architectures.

• Experience in drafting technical documentation, SoWs, and risk registers

• Experience in defining and managing complex system interfaces and dependencies

• Experience working in co-engineering environments with international partners.

• Strong understanding of antenna systems, RF engineering, and satellite communications

• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK, CST, HFSS).

• Proficiency in RF, antenna, thermal, and electrical interface design.

• Fluency in English (any other language being an asset)

Other key requirements / comments

• Eligibility for ESA/EU SECRET personnel security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such a clearance

• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office

• Travel as required for project realization purposes