Payload Field Engineer, Spacecraft Programmes

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

As Payload Engineer, Space Programmes, you will be responsible for providing resident payload (repeater and antenna subsystems) engineering support to all phases of the satellite procurement programs which includes daily oversight of Design, Assembly, Integration, and Launch Campaign. You will be part of the SES Resident Field Office Team located at spacecraft manufacturer premises. You will support the Field Office in addressing product assurance and quality oversight of all aspects of the project. You will review and trend the test data for the payload equipment at unit and subsystems level tests and provide technical support to the Field Office Program Manager on investigations, resolutions and corrective actions. The position requires operating in a governmental / military context, with a requirement to meet NATO SAL-2 level.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• • Ensure that the specification of each payload equipment unit is consistent with meeting the end-to-end system performance and functional requirements
  • Ensure that all payload units, subsystem and system test procedures comply with the contractual requirements
  • Participate in design, test readiness, material and failure review meetings at manufacturer sub- and prime- contractor facilities as needed
  • Monitor flow of payload components through build, test and integration into next higher assembly.
  • Critically examine the anomaly investigation results in root cause analysis and verify corrective actions are implemented
  • Provide daily oversight of Design, Assembly, Integration, Test, and Launch phases
  • Provide daily oversight of activities at Manufacturer and Subcontractor facilities as needed
• Ensure that the specification of each payload equipment unit meets the end-to-end system performance and functional requirements
  • Perform in process inspections with manufacturers
  • Perform the equipment and Spacecraft repeater and antenna test data review for compliance with contractual requirements
• Support the SES Product Assurance Lead in MPCB, PCB, and RCB meetings, as well as in the review and approval of EEE parts, materials, mechanical parts, and processes
• Monitoring integration and test activities with quality assurance audits, mandatory and key inspection points, test witnessing and configuration inspections
• Critically examine the anomaly investigation results to root cause analysis and verify corrective actions are implemented
  • Review design, manufacturing and test documentation
  • Provide summary reports of issues and recommended actions
  • Ensure that the program action items are adequately addressed and closed
  • Provide 24/7 on call support during payload system testing
  • Support Payload In Orbit Testing (PIOT) post launch activities
  • Flexible to work across various projects as required

COMPETENCIES

• High level knowledge in satellite payload subsystems and ability to challenge industry expert in their field
• Self-Starter with a high level of personal accountability
• Prioritization
• Team Player
• Demonstrated influencing and negotiation skills
• A willingness to be self-critical, continuously improves skills, learn from mistakes, acts within her
• or his circle of competence and knows their boundaries

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required

• Master’s degree or PhD in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• 3+ years of applicable experience in Space Engineering
• Experience with payload mission specification and operations
• Experience with analogue and digital payload equipment
• Experience with repeater and/or antenna subsystems
• Experience with link budgets and repeater RF performance measurement
• Willingness to travel (supplier visits) - 30% domestic and international travel
• Strong ability in persuasive and diplomatic communication to inspire collaboration and drive collective goal achievement
• Knowledge of ECSS standards and ability to apply them in supplier oversight
• Strong ability to work independently and with limited supervision in complex environments, including multi-stakeholder projects
• The candidate must be eligible for EU/ESA/NATO security clearance
• Willing to work at least 80% onsite from office

Preferred

• Experience with MEO or GEO satellite operations and design
• Experience with payload integration and test
• Experience with resolving day to day issues with manufacturer and program teams
• Understanding of payload architecture, design, and manufacturing