Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME

About the role

SES Space & Defense delivers multi-orbit, end-to-end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth communications across the globe. As the Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will provide Tier 3 tracking, planning, troubleshooting, and coordination for all satellite communications (SATCOM) systems related to Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems platforms. This role supports a team in operations involving full motion video (FMV), sensor data transport, and unit-level support, including mission planning, conferences, and document writing.

The duty schedule is a 5-day work week (Monday through Friday), 8 hours per day, with potential nights, weekends, holidays, and travel. The position is located at MacDill AFB, FL.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for SATCOM, LOS/BLOS communications, and IT architecture supporting AISR platforms.
• Analyze, design, and optimize end-to-end 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, cross-domain 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 compliance with USSOCOM J6 policy for all new and existing aircraft.
• Support training of AISR management center personnel.
• Travel to sites for planning, implementation, or troubleshooting of Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems platforms.
• May assist technical project leaders or provide work leadership for lower-level employees.
• 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 engineering, customer, or business meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and 6+ years of experience or relevant combination of education and/or experience.
• Active Top Secret (TS) Clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Experience with specific AISR platforms (manned or unmanned), including payload integration, sensor networking, or airborne communications setups.
• Knowledge of advanced networking technologies such as SD-WAN, MANET, mesh networking, or multi-path transport.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data architectures and enterprise ISR dissemination frameworks.
• Experience with program offices, JCIDS documentation, or acquisition lifecycle support.

About Us

SES Space & Defense is 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 resilient, low-latency, high-throughput connectivity at a global scale. Our multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure, supporting over 5,000 government missions annually. We serve the U.S. Federal Government, national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies like NASA. Our team is mission-driven, committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real-world impact across critical missions.