Manned​/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME

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.

Our differentiated multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure to deliver resilient, low-latency, high-throughput connectivity at a global scale. With more than 120 satellites covering nearly the entire world, a global ground network, and thousands of deployed terminals supporting over 5,000 government missions annually, SES Space and Defense is a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies including NASA for mission-critical communications.

We strive to be the only solution when success is critical and recognize our people as our competitive advantage. At SES Space & Defense, you'll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real-world impact across today's most critical missions.

The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide Tier 3 tracking, planning, troubleshooting and coordination for all things satellite communications (SATCOM) systems related to Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems platforms while supporting a team. This can consist of work with full motion video (FMV), sensor data transport issues and development, and unit level support. The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME will take part in any operations, mission planning, conferences and document writing as required by the customer.

The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME is part of a team that ensures effective SATCOM network utilization for Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems platforms. The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME may be required to work priority issues after normal work hours, telephonically. The duty schedule for this position is a 5-day work week (Monday through Friday), 8 hours per day. The 5-day work week may include some nights/weekends and/or holidays and will include travel.

The position is located at Mac Dill AFB, FL, and requires some travel to meet mission requirements.

• Serve as the technical authority for SATCOM, LOS/BLOS communications, and IT architecture supporting AISR platforms.
• Analyze, design, and optimize endtoend data pathways from sensor to shooter, including onboard networks, RF systems, ground nodes, PED nodes, and enterprise transport layers.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements for IP networks, mission system architectures, datalinks, encryption solutions, crossdomain technologies, and multi
  
  INT payload integrations.
• Support development and refinement of CONOPS, TTPs, and mission workflows related to data transport, airborne networking, and distributed operations.
• Perform assessments of current and emerging SATCOM systems, including GEO/HEO/MEO constellations, commercial/military waveforms, and adaptive networking technologies.
• Assess cyber vulnerabilities and ensure cybersecurity compliance for mission systems, data links, onboard networks, and ground infrastructure.
• Provide technical guidance for integration of new sensors, communication payloads, antennas, routers, servers, and software baselines into existing platforms.
• Collaborate with program offices, operators, engineering teams, and industry partners to align capability development with mission requirements.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, platform assessments, interface documents, and briefings for leadership.
• Verify technical equipment specifications to ensure all new and existing aircraft follow policies and procedures set by USSOCOM J6 policy.
• Support training of AISR management center personnel.
• Travel to sites, if necessary, for planning, implementation, or troubleshooting of Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems platforms.
• May assist technical project leader or provide work leadership for lower-level employees.
• May provide written technical descriptions and contribute to the development of technical solutions in support of proposal efforts.
• Support, communicate, reinforce, and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization.
• Attend appropriate engineering, customer, or business meetings.

You are a technically advanced SATCOM and airborne systems expert with deep experience supporting AISR missions across manned and unmanned platforms. You understand how to architect, troubleshoot, and optimize end-to-end communications and data transport environments, from onboard RF and networking systems to ground infrastructure, PED nodes, and enterprise dissemination layers. You bring strong expertise in LOS/BLOS communications, FMV transport, airborne networking, and mission system integration, along with the ability to evaluate emerging…