RF Communications Systems Engineer

Who We Are

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite‑enabled connectivity, we deliver multi‑orbit, end‑to‑end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high‑bandwidth communications across the globe.

As a Senior RF Communications Engineer, you will lead the design, analysis, and optimization of RF communications performance across SES Space & Defense’s space architectures, assist in the development of link budgets, model RF impairments, and ensure robust end‑to‑end connectivity for mission‑critical SATCOM operations. You’ll integrate and assist with testing waveforms, modems, antennas, and RF subsystems. You will solve complex interoperability challenges, support advanced waveform and capability development, and drive enhancements that strengthen resilience, throughput, and reliability.

You’ll also collaborate across space, systems, and network engineering teams, support operational missions with RF troubleshooting, and contribute to technical governance, readiness assessments, and system‑level performance decisions.

• Own RF communications design elements within the overall space architecture, including link budgets, waveform performance, and terminal‑to‑network RF behavior.
• Lead RF integration and test activities across space, ground, and user terminals.
• Validate RF system performance against requirements such as Eb/N₀ margins, throughput, interference resilience, and mission availability.

• Build and refine high‑performance RF links for low‑latency LEO SATCOM, ensuring robustness across dynamic orbital and tactical environments.
• Solve complex interoperability issues involving waveforms, modems, antennas, terminal radios, and networking interfaces.

• Ensures mission‑critical communications reliability for U.S. Government and commercial customers who rely on SES space architectures.
• Enables technical clarity and risk reduction through expert RF engineering support across multi‑orbit and multi‑vendor environments.
• Accelerates delivery of advanced, resilient RF capabilities that improve operational performance and mission outcomes.

• Involves advanced RF engineering in the context of cutting‑edge LEO and multi‑orbit SATCOM systems.
• Requires working across antenna systems, waveforms, modems, link‑layer networking, and integrated ground infrastructure.
• Operates at the intersection of cutting‑edge communications technology, real‑world environmental constraints, and demanding mission needs.

The ideal candidate is an experienced RF communications engineer with a strong record of owning and delivering complex SATCOM or aerospace communication systems across space, ground, and network segments. They have successfully developed or integrated advanced waveforms, modems, prototypes, or communications architectures, often under demanding mission constraints, and have supported field tests, rapid capability insertions, or operational demonstrations. Their background includes working with U.S. Government, DoD, or national security customers, bringing deep familiarity with protected communications, cybersecurity requirements, interference environments, and tactical networking.

They stand out through recognized subject‑matter expertise in RF or multi‑orbit SATCOM engineering and can translate complex technical challenges into clear, mission‑aligned strategies.

• Experience owning RF subsystem designs, link performance modeling, and related engineering documentation for SATCOM or aerospace systems.
• Responsible for baseline management of RF requirements, performance verification, and integration readiness.
• Experience supporting field operations, terminal integration, or on‑orbit performance assessment environments.

• Delivered RF or waveform‑based capabilities, such as new modem integrations, link…