Chief Engineer – Space

SES Space & Defense

. Serve as a technical authority for exploring, conceptualizing, and evaluating spacecraft, hosted payload, and emerging space system solutions .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeRemote • Virginia • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in spacecraft architecture, payload systems, and systems engineering processes, with a strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage technical risks throughout the program lifecycle.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Spacecraft ArchitecturePayload Systems EngineeringTechnical LeadershipSystems Engineering ProcessesIntegration of Spacecraft Subsystems

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Spacecraft DesignPayload IntegrationSatellite Systems DevelopmentRequirements DevelopmentArchitecture DefinitionInterface ManagementVerification and ValidationTechnical Risk ManagementEnvironmental TestingOn-Orbit Operations

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationInfluencing Without Authority

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringNational Security ProgramsDefense ProgramsCivil Government ProgramsCommercial Space Programs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a technical authority for exploring, conceptualizing, and evaluating spacecraft, hosted payload, and emerging space system solutions
Lead technical proposals and evaluations of space system programs, payloads, and concepts to meet mission performance objectives
Collaborate with matrixed engineering teams across systems engineering, spacecraft engineering, payload engineering, mission assurance, specialty engineering, suppliers, and external mission partners
Define spacecraft and payload architectures, system interfaces, integration strategies, and technical baselines
Support program review milestones including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, launch readiness, and early on-orbit operations
Identify, assess, and mitigate technical, integration, schedule, and mission risks throughout the program lifecycle
Partner with government customers, mission partners, and suppliers to translate mission requirements into executable technical solutions
Collaborate with engineering and mission operations organizations to ensure successful end-to-end system integration
Support strategic growth initiatives by shaping technical solutions for hosted payload, communications, sensing, and emerging space mission opportunities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
Advanced degree preferred
10+ years of progressively responsible experience designing, developing, integrating, or delivering spacecraft, payloads, satellite systems, or other complex aerospace systems
Experience serving as a Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, IPT Lead, Technical Director, or equivalent technical leadership role
Strong background in spacecraft architecture, payload systems, hosted payloads, satellite subsystems, or mission systems engineering
Experience integrating spacecraft subsystems, including communications payloads, RF systems, onboard processors, and other mission-specific payloads
Extensive knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements development, architecture definition, interface management, verification and validation, and technical risk management
Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations in a matrixed environment while influencing without direct authority
Experience supporting the complete system lifecycle, including concept development, design, integration, environmental test, launch preparation, commissioning, and on-orbit operations
Ability to communicate effectively with government customers, executive leadership, engineering teams, suppliers, and mission partners
Experience supporting national security, defense, civil government, or commercial space programs

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus eligibility where applicable
Paid vacation, sick, and personal leave
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Disability insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Other benefits programs