Satellite Network Data Plane Engineer

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

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. In addition, as well as to governmental users, private companies and European citizens while benefiting from ensuring high-speed internet broadband to cope with connectivity dead zones.

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

The IRIS2 team enters next project phases, we seek 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.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

We are seeking a Satellite Network Data Plane Engineer to define, dimension, and specify the packet-forwarding and data-plane capabilities required for a secure multi-orbit satellite communications network. This role focuses on high-performance forwarding, QoS, traffic classification, tunneling, service steering, programmable networking, and integration with routing, SDN control-plane, and network management functions across space and ground segments. The position is ideal for an engineer with deep practical experience in data-plane design, Linux networking, and high-throughput packet processing.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Define data-plane architecture and forwarding requirements for IRIS² and MEO programme network services.
• Specify packet-processing behavior, encapsulation, QoS, traffic classification, service steering, tunneling, and forwarding policies across space and ground segments.
• Dimension data-plane capacity, throughput, latency, buffering, failover, and performance constraints for dynamic satellite network scenarios.
• Evaluate programmable data-plane technologies, hardware acceleration options, virtualized forwarding approaches, and service chaining models.
• Work with routing, SDN control-plane, FPGA/ASIC, software, and validation teams to ensure consistent behavior across architecture layers.
• Develop prototypes or reference implementations for forwarding logic, data-plane interfaces, and service treatment mechanisms.
• Support performance benchmarking, traffic testing, observability, packet capture, and troubleshooting of data-plane functions in lab and emulated environments.
• Translate service and product requirements into data-plane technical specifications and validation criteria.

Qualifications Background and Experience

• Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of IP networking, packet forwarding, QoS, traffic engineering, tunneling, encapsulation, and high-performance data paths.
• Hands-on experience with Linux networking, routing and switching platforms, virtual routing, network namespaces, containers, and performance instrumentation.
• Familiarity with P4, DPDK, eBPF, SR-IOV, SmartNICs, FPGA-based acceleration, or other programmable and accelerated data-plane technologies.
• Experience with overlay and underlay technologies such as VXLAN, GRE, MPLS, SRv6, or related service transport mechanisms.
• Programming skills in C/C++, Python, Rust, or similar languages used for systems and network engineering.
• Ability to define technical specifications, interface requirements, test cases, and performance acceptance criteria.
• Experience supporting lab validation, traffic generation, packet capture, profiling, and troubleshooting in complex network environments.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• The candidate must be eligible for a “SECRET” security clearance, in accordance with the national regulations as well as EU/ESA/NATO equivalents
• Willing to work 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposes