Principal RF Communications Systems Engineer

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.

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, assisting in the development of link budgets, modeling RF impairments, and ensuring 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.

1. What the person is owning or responsible for

2. What they are building, solving, or driving

3. Why the role matters

4. What makes it interesting or challenging

We are looking for 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.

1. Scope of ownership and accountability in previous roles

2. Examples of solutions, programs, or capabilities you’ve delivered

3. Exposure to relevant industries, customers, or mission sets

4. Required Education, Experience & Skills

SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

#LI-Hybrid