Senior Architect, 3GPP NR NTN, meoSphere

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

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

meoSphere is the next generation of SES’s Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, delivering secure connectivity services for governments, enterprises, and commercial customers worldwide, while enabling high-speed broadband to eliminate connectivity gaps. 

To accelerate development, improve quality, and increase vertical integration, SES is bringing key payload development and integration capabilities in-house within a state-of-the-art manufacturing and test environment. 

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

As Senior Architect, 3GPP NR NTN, you will own the end-to-end technical architecture of SES's next-generation NTN platform, shaping how RAN, payload, SMO/O-RAN, and core network technologies come together to deliver a flight-ready system.

Acting as the principal technical authority for NR NTN, you will define the architectural vision, drive critical technology decisions, and align internal and external stakeholders around a common system strategy. You will lead the definition of RAN requirements, guide multi-vendor integration, and establish the verification approach needed to deliver a high-performance and operationally robust solution.

Success in this role will be measured by the delivery of an integrated NR NTN system with validated performance, clear architectural ownership, strong vendor alignment, and a verification framework that enables both programme demonstrations and operational deployment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Define and drive the 3GPP NR NTN system and RAN architecture, including key trade-offs across payload, RAN, and core 
• Act as the technical authority for NTN RAN, aligned with 3GPP Rel‑17/18/19 and future evolution 
• Specify and drive RAN requirements, ensuring alignment across payload, UE, chipset, and core stakeholders 
• Define and own the RAN verification and validation strategy, including system-level test scenarios and performance KPIs 
• Lead RAN bring-up activities, including integration of gNB, UE, chipset, and payload components in a multi-vendor environment 
• Own the beam hopping architecture and operational concept, including scheduling, interference management, and capacity optimization 
• Lead SMO / O-RAN architecture and development direction, including on-board SMO concepts and real-time RIC integration 
• Drive integration of NTN RAN with 5G Core, with particular focus on on-board UPF and distributed core architectures 
• Specify, drive, and manage change requests with RAN vendors, ensuring alignment with system requirements and delivery timelines 
• Act as the primary technical interface across RAN, payload, core, and orchestration teams 

What you coordinate and enable 

• Coordinate all RAN-related activities across internal teams and external partners 
• Ensure multi-vendor alignment on requirements, interfaces, and integration priorities 
• Drive end-to-end system integration, verification, and performance optimization 
• Support technology roadmap, system evolution, and standardization activities 
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to senior engineers across domains 

What success will look like 

A stable and well-defined NR NTN system architecture and RAN requirement baseline, with clear interfaces across RAN, payload, SMO, and core. Successful RAN bring-up and multi-vendor integration, supported by a robust verification strategy and validated performance. Effective vendor alignment through controlled change requests. A cohesive engineering effort enabling demo readiness and flight validation. 

COMPETENCIES, QUALIFICATIONS, & EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years in wireless systems, RAN, NTN, or satellite communications 
• Strong expertise in 3GPP NR architecture, RAN systems, and NTN (Rel‑17+) 
• Proven experience in RAN requirement specification, verification strategy, and system integration 
• Hands-on experience with multi-vendor environments, bring-up, and vendor coordination 
• Solid knowledge of 5G Core architecture, including UPF and distributed/on-board deployments 
• Strong understanding of NTN constraints and satellite communication systems 

Nice to have

• Experience with beam hopping, beam management, or payload optimization 
• Knowledge of O-RAN architecture, SMO, and RIC frameworks 
• Background in PHY, link-level performance, or system simulation 
• Participation in 3GPP standardization or advanced research programs 

Mindset & Values

• System owner mindset — drives coherence across domains and vendors 
• Pragmatic rigor — defines clear requirements and verification without blocking delivery 
• Hands-on architect — capable of diving into technical issues when needed 
• Low ego, high standards — builds alignment across strong technical stakeholders 

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 at least 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposes 

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