Director, meoSphere Space Segment

Role Description

The Director, meo Sphere Space Segment for SES’s next generation MEO constellation is responsible for the overall MEO satellite system design, integration, test, and launch functions. The role ensures that the overall satellite design meets system performance, reliability, cost, and schedule requirements and is compatible with launch systems and operational processes.

Requisition Number: 19475
Contract Type:
Permanent
Location(s):
McLean, VA, US;
Betzdorf, LU

The Director, meo Sphere Space Segment for SES’s next generation MEO constellation is responsible for the overall MEO satellite system design, integration, test, and launch functions. The role ensures that the overall satellite design meets system performance, reliability, cost, and schedule requirements and is compatible with launch systems and operational processes.

This position requires a deep understanding of space‑craft systems engineering, payload‑bus integration, satellite‑level testing (ground and in‑orbit), launch operations. The role requires cross‑disciplinary leadership to manage a distributed team of internal engineers, ex‑ternal suppliers, and mission partners. The Director, Space Segment provides technical direction for the integrated satellite across all lifecycle phases, from early on‑orbit pathfinder test missions, through design, integration, test, launch, and on‑orbit operations of production systems.

You will be reporting to the SVP, MEO Programmes. You will manage a team and be responsible for driving program success through innovative, modern execution approaches inspired by the ‘new space’ ecosystem, rather than traditional aerospace playbooks.

• Serve as the overall technical authority for the integrated meo Sphere satellite, partnering with colleagues responsible for the communications payload, end‑to‑end systems engineering, manufacturing, satellite operations, and launch systems to deliver a constellation of MEO satellites that meet the needs of the business.
• Lead satellite system‑level design trades, requirements allocation, and interface definition between the spacecraft bus and the communications payload for early on‑orbit pathfinder missions and full production iterations. Participate in payload subsystem development reviews (RF, digital, software, power, thermal, mechanical), ensuring compatibility with the bus architecture and mission requirements.
• Provide technical oversight of the bus contractor and major satellite bus‑related suppliers, including development of system specifications, test requirements, ICDs, statements of work and other contractual documents. Own and drive supplier management and satellite bus acceptance process.
• Follow the payload and supplier bus development programs to ensure compliance to system, performance, and programmatic specifications; work creatively and cross‑functionally to ensure design consistency, manage technical risks, and drive resolution of cross‑disciplinary issues affecting system performance or mission assurance.
• Work closely with the systems engineering, payload development, and integration and test teams to ensure the constellation and satellite functions as a fully integrated component of the end‑to‑end system.
• Define and lead all satellite‑level test plans and programs including payload‑bus AIT, environmental testing, launch campaign readiness, and in‑orbit testing and commissioning. Coordinate with the Space Procurement team to develop a constellation launch strategy that meets the cost and schedule requirements; interface with the launch service provider and support all launch campaign activities.
• Work closely with the Satellite Manufacturing lead to design production assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) flows, unit test, and satellite test programs in the context of series production at the primary or auxiliary production facilities in Europe and the US.
• Serve as chair or key reviewer for satellite bus and integrated satellite‑level technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Foster a culture of innovation, speed, and accountability, leveraging iterative development, rapid…