Engineer, Satellite Platform Engineering

Location: McLean, VA, US

Contract Type: Permanent

About the role

The Engineer, Satellite Engineering is part of an EU and US-based team that provides engineering and operations support to the full satellite lifecycle—from new satellite procurement through launch, on-orbit operations, and re-orbit. The team ensures the highest levels of satellite service availability through specialized engineering expertise in avionics, attitude control, propulsion, power, and thermal systems across all phases of a satellite’s operational lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Perform continuous surveillance and analysis of telemetry data to evaluate satellite health and performance, trending it against models and predictions, and forecasting likely changes, particularly regarding traffic capacity.
• Provide engineering support for satellite requirement definitions, proposal evaluations, negotiations, and design analysis, ensuring operational experience is considered in new satellite procurements.
• Support the definition of satellite requirements for integration with satellite operations ground control systems, including the creation of test plans, conducting acceptance tests, and resolving issues.
• Prepare for the launch of new satellites by supporting satellite manufacturer mission design reviews and post-launch separation and orbit-raising phases.
• Develop, validate, and maintain operational procedures, tools, and processes to optimize satellite and service performance, with a focus on task automation.
• Provide technical advice to internal teams and satellite users regarding satellite capabilities, performance, and operations.
• Optimize satellite performance by performing necessary engineering analysis, modeling, and parameter modifications to meet new business needs.
• Support the preparation of on-orbit satellite performance reports for internal and external customers.
• Perform on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis, available to support satellite operations outside of regular business hours, including weekends, to address operations and/or emergency situations. On-call response may require travel to a local satellite control center for support actions.

Competencies

• Technical Proficiency: Strong skills in analyzing satellite systems, diagnosing issues, and interpreting data, including evaluating performance metrics and troubleshooting.
• Accountability & Decision-Making: Ability to take ownership, use sound judgment, and make informed decisions under pressure to assess critical situations and propose effective solutions.
• Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey technical messages clearly and appropriately to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Project Execution: Strong organizational and project management skills to drive initiatives from planning to completion with efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural team environment.
• Results-Driven Approach: Sense of urgency, initiative, and drive to achieve goals and deliver results.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactive approach to identifying opportunities for optimization and driving ongoing improvements.
• Growth Mindset: Embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and personal/professional development.

Requirements

• 1 to 3 years of applicable professional experience in satellite engineering and/or operations are desired, but not mandatory. New graduate applications are welcome.
• Knowledge of satellite bus subsystems across one or more of Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed, MAXAR, Northrop Grumman, or Thales is desired, but not mandatory.
• Master’s Degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a similar discipline with a specialization in one or more of satellite dynamics and control; avionics, power, or thermal subsystems or similar is required.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python programming language. Additional courses or knowledge in Computer or Data Science are beneficial.
• Fluency in English (any other language is an asset).
• Eligible applicants to the US-based location must be a US Citizen, a Green Card Holder, or otherwise meet federal export-control authorization requirements.
• Eligible applicants must meet EU and US export-control authorization requirements for access to Space Segment EAR and ITAR information.
• Willing to work on-site or hybrid remote per allowed policy.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally.

Pay

The salary range for this full-time position (US only) is $75,000 - $110,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and geographic location. Individual compensation within the range is determined based on work location and a variety of factors, including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and relevant education or training. Additional compensation and benefits may apply depending on the location and terms of employment.