Principal Engineer, Level 3

Overview

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.

In this role, you will serve as a senior technical authority supporting the deployment, integration, sustainment, and troubleshooting of mission-critical GEO and MEO satellite communications systems. You will provide Tier III engineering support across SES Space & Defense’s global SATCOM infrastructure, working directly with customers, field personnel, network operations teams, and engineering organizations to resolve complex technical issues and ensure reliable service delivery.

This position combines hands-on field engineering, systems integration, operational troubleshooting, and customer engagement across a broad range of satellite communications technologies. You will play a key role in maintaining operational readiness, improving service reliability, and supporting the successful deployment of new capabilities across government and defense customer environments.

• Provide Tier III technical support for GEO and MEO satellite communications services, supporting escalated operational and customer issues
• Perform factory acceptance testing (FAT), bench testing, validation, and certification of SATCOM equipment, terminals, and integrated systems
• Support installation, activation, integration, and sustainment of fixed and mobile satellite communications systems in customer environments
• Conduct site surveys and technical assessments, providing recommendations for system design, deployment, and operational readiness
• Troubleshoot complex SATCOM, networking, and system integration issues across customer and SES-operated infrastructure
• Support field service activities, including domestic and international travel for installations, repairs, upgrades, and operational support
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, as-built drawings, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guidance
• Deliver customer and internal training on SATCOM systems, operational procedures, and troubleshooting methodologies
• Support warehouse, RMA, asset management, and equipment lifecycle activities to ensure operational readiness of deployed systems
• Collaborate with Network Operations, Engineering, Service Delivery, and customer stakeholders to improve system performance and service reliability

You are a highly capable SATCOM engineer with extensive experience supporting operational satellite communications systems in government, military, or mission-critical environments. You possess strong technical expertise across GEO and MEO architectures and are comfortable troubleshooting complex issues spanning RF systems, networking, terminals, antennas, and integrated communications infrastructure. You thrive in environments that require both hands-on technical execution and direct customer engagement, serving as a trusted resource during system deployments, operational challenges, and critical service restoration efforts.

You are equally effective working independently in the field or collaborating with cross-functional engineering and operations teams to solve difficult technical problems. Ultimately, you bring the technical depth, operational mindset, and customer focus required to maintain reliable communications capabilities supporting global mission operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 8–10 years of SATCOM engineering, field engineering, or satellite communications operations experience
• Strong knowledge of GEO and MEO satellite communications systems, including operational support, integration, and troubleshooting
• Experience supporting fixed and mobile SATCOM systems, antennas, terminals, modems, networking equipment, and associated infrastructure
• Working knowledge of IP networking, routing, and communications technologies;
  Juniper experience preferred
• Experience conducting system testing, acceptance activities, site surveys,…