Senior Engineer, Payload Test, meoSphere

(Senior) Engineer, Payload Test, meo Sphere

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Requisition Number: 19491

Contract Type: Permanent

Location(s): Long Beach, CA, US;
McLean, VA, US;
Betzdorf, LU

Nearest Major Market: Los Angeles

meo Sphere is SES’s next-generation Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellation, designed to deliver secure connectivity services to government agencies, enterprises, and commercial customers. It will also provide high-speed broadband internet to eliminate global connectivity dead zones. To accelerate development timelines, reduce costs, and ensure quality, SES is internalizing a critical segment of the satellite supply chain: the final integration of partner satellite platforms with SES’s software‑defined payloads, all within a cutting‑edge manufacturing and test facility.

• Assembly & Integration:
  Perform mechanical and electrical assembly of payload units, subsystems, and harnesses according to drawings, ICDs, and work instructions; integrate payload equipment on panels, structures, and test benches, ensuring correct configuration management and traceability; support integration of payloads onto the spacecraft platform, including interface checks and functional verification.
• Test Planning & Preparation:
  Contribute to development of AIT plans, procedures, and test specifications (functional, performance, and environmental); define test setups, configurations, and EGSE/MGSE needs for payload verification; coordinate preparation of test equipment, instrumentation, and facilities (cleanroom, thermal vacuum chambers, EMC chambers, vibration tables, RF ranges, etc.).
• Functional & Performance Testing:
  Execute payload functional tests, performance tests, and end‑to‑end link tests using EGSE, RF test equipment, and data acquisition systems; analyze telemetry, logs, and test data to verify compliance with requirements and to identify anomalies or performance trends; generate test reports, nonconformance reports (NCRs), and support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Environmental & Qualification Campaigns:
  Plan and execute environmental test campaigns (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, EMC, RF/antenna tests) for payload units and integrated payloads; ensure proper configuration control and instrumentation during environmental testing; support correlation and update of analytical models with test results.

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Practical experience in hardware test environments, ideally on payload hardware.
• Solid understanding of RF and/or digital payload architectures (e.g., repeaters, transponders, active antennas, processors, amplifiers).
• Hands‑on experience with lab and test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, RF instruments, data loggers, EGSE).
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, ICDs, and test procedures.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and a methodical, process‑oriented mindset.
• Good communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary, international teams.
• Strong ability to work independently and with limited supervision.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken; other European languages are an asset.

• Eligibility for NATO/EU security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance.
• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Salary: The salary range for this full‑time position is $ – $ plus bonus and benefits. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the target salary for new hires in Torrence, California. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

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