Engineer, IRIS2 MEO Satellite Constellation Engineering

ROLE 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 next project phases and there is a strong need of support for all the activities around service provisioning and products that the system can offer in the future.

The Engineer, IRIS2 MEO Satellite Constellation Engineering, will be a part of a team defining the end-to-end Operations Definition and Lifecycle CONOPS across Space, Ground and Service Segments. This specific role will initially support the definition and development of the Satellite platform operations of the IRIS2 satellites, which will also be used for SES commercial business and will contribute to the SES’ next generation Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) constellation. The role will follow the project lifecycle from beginning through to the on-orbit MEO satellite constellation operations. You will work in an agile project organization where a flexible way of working and an adaptive mindset is required.  

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. The candidate must be willing to work at least 66% onsite from office and travel as required for project realization purposes.

As a Engineer, IRIS2 MEO Satellite Constellation Engineering, you will be responsible to :

• In close collaboration with partners, build a detailed understanding of IRIS2 requirements and implication on Ground & Space Segment for what concerns satellite operations of the future IRIS2 MEO (and LEO) constellation.
• Coordinate across various ground segment, service segment and software architecture teams, identifying the multiple functions, key interfaces and the necessary capabilities required for space segment operations implementation out of the Satellite Control Center (S3C).
• Contribute to the Space Segment Operations Concept, spanning the operational lifecycle from launch and commissioning to routine operations and end-of-life disposal
• Contribute to the Operations Engineering Plan to define the approach, methods, procedures, resources, and organization to co‐ordinate and manage all technical activities necessary to prepare for, validate and execute IRIS2 system operations and maintenance in conformance with the customer’s requirements.
• Contribute to the Operations Maintenance Planning to define the operational and maintenance activities to be performed to ensure space segment service continuity
• Contribute to Spacecraft Platform and Payload requirements and design reviews, in particular to what concerns operational interface (e.g. crypto requirements, high-speed link commanding, etc).

• Contribute to the flow of satellite manufacturer requirements into the selected satellite ground control system, including support to the creation of test plans and conducting acceptance tests.
• Contribute to the preparation for the launch of the satellites, through support to satellite manufacturer mission design reviews and post launch separation and orbit raising phases.
• Contribute to the development and validation of satellite operational procedures, software tools, and processes to maintain optimal performance. Significant focus on end-to-end automation.
• Prepare of on-orbit space segment performance reports to internal and external Customer(s)
• Provide technical advice to internal teams and satellite users regarding satellite capabilities, performance and operations.
• Perform on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis, available to support satellite operations outside of regular business hours, including weekends, to address as requested operations and/or emergency situations. On-call response may require travel to local satellite control center for support actions.

YOUR PROFILE

1 - MUST HAVE

•     Master degree level in engineering, with specialization which includes one or more of satellite dynamics and control; avionics, power or thermal sub-systems or similar

•     At least 2 years of professional experience in a similar assignment. Ideally, experience working on large projects with EU or ESA level requirements

•     Software programming experience (Python, MATLAB or similar) in support of engineering level analysis and task automation

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

•     Willing to support a rotation based 24/7 on-call role

•     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

•     Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

•     Strong teamwork skills

•     Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities

•     Ability to set priorities and work under deadlines