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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Engineer, Systems - **Company:** SES - **Location:** Washington, DC, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Data Analysis, Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Bash Shell, BASIC (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Computer Engineering, Modems, System Configuration, Linux, Network Interface Controllers, Internet Protocol, Interoperability, Python (Programming Language), Network Monitoring, Network Administration, Satcom, Requirements Traceability, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Modeling Language, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Scripting, Low Latency - **Published:** November 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9283600/principal-engineer-systems ## About the Role You are an experienced Systems Engineer with a strong understanding of satellite communications architectures and the technical disciplines required to integrate complex, networked communications systems. You take a systems-level approach to engineering, translating mission needs into practical requirements, architectures, interfaces, and verification strategies while maintaining a clear understanding of how individual components work together to deliver an operational capability. You are comfortable working hands-on across SATCOM hardware, software, RF components, IP networks, and management systems, combining structured engineering practices with practical integration, troubleshooting, and testing experience. You approach complex technical challenges with sound judgment, attention to detail, and an understanding of system performance, operational constraints, and technical risk. You communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams, and enjoy mentoring other engineers while helping deliver reliable, mission-ready solutions., * Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering or technical discipline. * 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in systems engineering, SATCOM, RF or networked communications, or mission systems integration. * Experience developing system requirements, managing requirements traceability, defining interfaces, planning verification activities, and executing integration and test for complex systems. * Working knowledge of multi-orbit SATCOM architectures and the practical integration of terminals, antennas, modems, RF equipment, IP networks, network management systems, and mission applications. * Working knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes, artifacts, and requirements traceability throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. * Working knowledge of RF and communications fundamentals, including the link-budget process and the ability to interpret or support link-budget results. * Hands-on experience with Linux and Bash, along with basic Python or comparable scripting capabilities for engineering, testing, automation, configuration, or data analysis. * Strong technical documentation, communication, collaboration, and cross-functional coordination skills. * Ability to work in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and support periodic test activities. * Current or recent experience with SES mPOWER services, terminals, integration, operations, or closely related technologies strongly preferred. * Experience integrating or operating GEO, MEO, LEO, or hybrid SATCOM networks preferred. * Familiarity with SysML-based approaches or tools, SATCOM terminal and antenna integration, modem and RF equipment, network management, and over-the-air interoperability testing preferred. * Experience with APIs, telemetry, monitoring, configuration management, or automation in communications or mission systems environments preferred. * Familiarity with capacity planning, network performance assessment, SATCOM service provisioning, or link-budget results preferred. * Experience supporting DoD, government, aerospace, telecommunications, or other mission-critical communications programs preferred. * Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain and maintain one preferred. ## Description As a Principal Systems Engineer - SATCOM at SES Space & Defense, you will lead systems engineering, integration, verification, and operational readiness activities supporting resilient, multi-orbit satellite communications capabilities. This hands-on technical integration role translates mission and customer needs into practical, traceable, and testable solutions across GEO, MEO, LEO, and hybrid SATCOM services. You will work across terminals, antennas, modems, RF components, IP networks, network management systems, and mission applications to ensure end-to-end system performance, interoperability, and operational readiness. Working closely with customers, vendors, program leadership, and multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will help deliver reliable communications capabilities that meet mission requirements and operational objectives., * Lead systems engineering activities from mission needs and concept development through integration, verification, deployment, and operational transition. * Define and maintain system requirements, interfaces, and bidirectional traceability across system architectures, verification methods, test procedures, and results. * Develop and maintain systems engineering lifecycle artifacts, including Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), technical specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements traceability matrices, Verification Cross-Reference Matrices (VCRMs), integration plans, and technical risk assessments. * Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes, artifacts, and traceability practices to clarify system behavior, interfaces, dependencies, and verification relationships. * Lead technical integration across SATCOM terminals, antennas, modems, RF components, transport and IP networks, network management systems, and mission applications. * Develop verification strategies, test plans, procedures, readiness reviews, and reports, and plan and execute laboratory, field, over-the-air, interoperability, and operational test events. * Interpret and support SATCOM performance assessments, including availability, capacity, Quality of Service (QoS), latency, and operational constraints, while supporting the link-budget process and interpretation of results. * Use Linux, Bash, and basic Python scripting to support system configuration, test automation, telemetry and log collection, data analysis, troubleshooting, and repeatable engineering workflows. * Coordinate with customers, vendors, program leadership, and engineering teams to resolve technical issues, manage integration dependencies, and support successful system delivery. * Mentor engineers, share technical knowledge, and strengthen engineering rigor, integration practices, and overall delivery effectiveness.