Apply on Employer Site

SES Satellites · 1 week ago

Director, System Integration & Test (SI&T), meoSphere

McLean, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$200K/yr - $250K/yr

10+ years exp

SES Satellites is a leader in satellite communications, and they are seeking a Director for System Integration & Test for their meoSphere program. This role involves leading a team to define and execute the test program for the next generation MEO constellation, ensuring a cohesive system delivery through innovative testing approaches.

Communications InfrastructureHardwareSatellite CommunicationTelecommunicationsWired Telecommunications

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Build and lead a team responsible for defining overall test program for the end-to-end meoSphere constellation – including lab, over-the-air, and fields test programs. Understand the key performance metrics and design a program that provides service-level validation of system functions and those KPIs before delivering the validated system to the business. Document and coordinate the plan with all stakeholders to achieve buy-in

Design and lead an iterative, new-space test and validation program that leverages on-orbit ‘pathfinder’ opportunities to test end-to-end functions and de-risk the overall program

Lead execution of the test program and test campaigns by the meoSphere SI&T team and through coordination of activities of both internal cross-functional and external supplier teams. Provide timely updates on test progress and system risk burndown

In conjunction with the meoSphere Technical Program Management (TPM) team, establish and maintain an SI&T project plan that tracks execution of the test program in accordance with overall program cost, schedule, resources, and technical performance targets. Provide regular status reports on progress against the plan

Work closely with the lead systems engineers and subject matter experts to understand the system design; participate in systems engineering forum to ensure the design optimizes test capabilities. Understand the system specifications, interfaces, and models that will be critical inputs to the test program

Provide the leadership and expertise necessary to design a test program that is appropriate for a system of the scope and complexity of the meoSphere, balancing rigor with cost and agility. The system-level test program should ensure appropriate risk mitigation at the unit, interface, and system level and should incorporate scale, stress, and load testing

Identify innovative approaches to test execution, automation, scripting, etc that minimizes cost while ensuring thorough system validation

Identify any required test tools, plan for and manage development of any custom test tools or simulators that are required to support the defined program. Lead technical procurement of any test-related activities

Foster a culture of innovation, speed, and accountability, leveraging iterative development, rapid prototyping, and continuous learning

Integrate best practices from the new space industry: agile development, modular architecture, fail fast, lean processes, and commercial-grade supply chains

Implement and utilize modern tools and digital engineering approaches, including AI/ML, collaboration tools, MBSE platforms, and digital twins to manage performance vs cost, schedules, and risks

Lead in building a new way of design, development and manufacturing of constellation systems with the ability to verticalize and exercise design, financial and schedule control for the space segment

Qualification

System IntegrationTest Program ManagementSatellite CommunicationsAgile DevelopmentData CommunicationsSystems EngineeringVertical IntegrationTest AutomationDigital EngineeringStakeholder EngagementCOTS HardwarePerformance MetricsLeadershipCommunication Skills

Required

Must have a Bachelors' Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a similar discipline

At least 10 years' experience in integration and test of complex communication systems

Comprehensive knowledge in satellite communications, integration and test programs, networking, data communications and systems engineering

Extensive knowledge and experience understanding industry best practices in lab and field test programs

Capability to interface with various levels of employees, mentoring staff, providing reports to management

Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal), including prior experience in presenting technical data and metrics to non-technical audiences

Proven ability to lead highly technical, multi-disciplinary teams

Deep understanding of LEO/MEO/GEO payload and satellite systems, vertical integration, and trade studies that balancing risk and innovation

Demonstrated success using agile, iterative development methods in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Familiarity with new space tools, methods, and practices—COTS hardware, streamlined mission assurance, and vertical integration strategies

Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and executive reporting skills

Willingness to undergo clearance process

Able to travel nationally & internationally