Senior Manager - Payload Systems

ROLE PURPOSE

The Senior Manager Payload Systems will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for the end‑to‑end management of all payload‑related initiatives related to the Space
42 satellite fleet including procurement, design, analysis, integration, testing and other operational functions. Reporting to the Head of Space Segment Engineering, you will work closely with R&D Operations Strategy and Business Intelligence teams to optimize payload systems to boost platform efficiency and product reliability across the Space
42 ecosystem. You will also support, as necessary, the small satellite efforts in the Space
42 Space Lab and KUSTIC.

• Lead the Payload Systems team in managing design, procurement, integration and testing for current and future satellite payloads, ensuring peak system performance and reliability.
• Oversee definition and validation of technical requirements for communication payloads and TT&C subsystems, aligning with critical mission and customer needs.
• Supervise payload system support for operational spacecraft and ensure accurate identification and resolution of technical anomalies.
• Guide the evaluation of payload component suppliers, managing RFI/RFP/BAFO processes and technical negotiations to maximize value and innovation.
• Maintain an expert‑level awareness of industry technology trends, competitive benchmarks and component supplier roadmaps.
• Direct the documentation of lessons learned, providing structured feedback to inform future program procurement and design cycles.
• Produce consolidated reports and briefings for executive leadership and key stakeholders on ongoing activities, performance metrics and issues.
• Support new mission feasibility studies by collaborating with AI/ML and satellite engineering teams to maximize payload utility.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality and regulatory requirements within payload systems projects.
• Develop the training plan for team members, prioritizing upskilling in AI, advanced analytics and system integration.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., PhD, PMP, Six Sigma, Space Systems Engineering).
• 10+ years progressive experience in satellite payload systems engineering, integration or mission operations within the space or telecom sector.
• Proven experience with AI and/or advanced analytics applications in payload or satellite systems.
• Deep knowledge of RF, communications, and TT&C systems design and integration.
• Experience with AI/ML, cloud, or edge computing applied in space or defense contexts is a plus.
• Experience in Satcom/telecom satellites (must).
• Payload performance analyses (must).
• AIT (testing) experience (must).
• IOT (desirable).
• Expertise in link budgets (must).
• Management experience (highly recommended).
• Experience with flexible payloads, including active antennas and beamforming (highly recommended).
• Experience in LEO/MEO constellations (recommended).
• Experience in 5G NTN: 5G- 5G NB‑IoT (desirable).