Director, Systems Engineering

Working closely with hardware, software, RF, product and programme teams, you will help deliver next-generation multi-orbit satellite connectivity solutions across LEO, MEO and GEO networks., * Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary systems engineering team, including performance management, resource planning and technical development.

• Own end-to-end User Terminal system architecture, requirements definition and technical design decisions.
• Drive systems engineering across Ku/Ka-band phased-array antennas, beamformer chipsets, RF front ends, modems and baseband technologies.
• Lead RF and system-level trade-offs, including link budgets, G/T, EIRP, beamforming and antenna performance.
• Oversee system integration, verification and validation, including OTA testing, satellite trials and field evaluations.
• Establish requirements management, verification strategies, test plans and product release processes.
• Work cross-functionally to manage technical risks, resolve complex engineering challenges and deliver product roadmaps.
• Support the integration of 5G NR-NTN and multi-orbit satellite capabilities into next-generation terminal platforms.
• Engage with customers, partners and senior stakeholders on technical strategy and product delivery.

This is a senior engineering leadership opportunity for an experienced systems engineering professional with a strong background in satellite communications, phased-array antenna technology and complex RF systems. The successful individual will combine technical expertise with the ability to lead, develop and grow a high-performing engineering team., * Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related technical discipline; postgraduate qualifications preferred.

• 10+ years’ experience in systems engineering, software/hardware development or complex telecommunications and satellite systems.
• Proven engineering leadership experience, including managing, mentoring and developing engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of satellite communications, RF systems and digital communications.
• Experience with Ku/Ka-band phased-array antennas, beamforming, calibration and antenna integration.
• Background in system architecture, requirements management and verification methodologies.
• Practical experience with OTA testing, satellite trials and RF-to-baseband integration.
• Strong programming or modelling experience with MATLAB, Python and/or C/C++.
• Understanding of computer networking, TCP/IP and communications protocols.
• Familiarity with requirements tools such as DOORS, Jama or Jira.
• 3GPP Release 17 or later, 5G NR-NTN and non-terrestrial networks.
• DVB-S2X and multi-orbit satellite user terminals.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and SysML.
• Antenna production testing, calibration and regulatory certification.
• Experience working within EAR/ITAR-controlled environments.

Vivid Technology is working with a leading global satellite communications and antenna technology business to appoint a Director of Systems Engineering to lead its User Terminal (UT) engineering function in Rockville, Maryland.