Director, System Integration & Test (SI&T), meoSphere

Director, System Integration & Test (SI&T), meoSphere

Location(s): Long Beach, CA; McLean, VA; Betzdorf, LU

The meoSphere System Integration & Test (SI&T) Lead for SES’s next generation MEO constellation will own and drive the ideation and execution of the end-to-end system test plan, working cross-functionally throughout the enterprise and vendor ecosystem to ensure a robust, cohesive system is delivered to our Operations & Engineering team. The successful candidate will be a champion for change, with the ability to execute in dynamic, agile environment with multiple stakeholders and new technologies.

Reporting to the SVP, MEO Programmes, the SI&T lead will manage a team and be responsible for driving program success through innovative, modern execution approaches inspired by the ‘new space’ ecosystem, rather than traditional aerospace playbooks.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a team responsible for defining overall test program for the end-to-end meoSphere constellation – including lab, over-the-air, and fields test programs. Understand the key performance metrics and design a program that provides service-level validation of system functions and those KPIs before delivering the validated system to the business. Document and coordinate the plan with all stakeholders to achieve buy-in.
• Design and lead an iterative, new-space test and validation program that leverages on-orbit ‘pathfinder’ opportunities to test end-to-end functions and de-risk the overall program.
• Lead execution of the test program and test campaigns by the meoSphere SI&T team and through coordination of activities of both internal cross-functional and external supplier teams. Provide timely updates on test progress and system risk burndown.
• In conjunction with the meoSphere Technical Program Management (TPM) team, establish and maintain an SI&T project plan that tracks execution of the test program in accordance with overall program cost, schedule, resources, and technical performance targets. Provide regular status reports on progress against the plan.
• Work closely with the lead systems engineers and subject matter experts to understand the system design; participate in systems engineering forum to ensure the design optimizes test capabilities. Understand the system specifications, interfaces, and models that will be critical inputs to the test program.
• Provide the leadership and expertise necessary to design a test program that is appropriate for a system of the scope and complexity of the meoSphere, balancing rigor with cost and agility. The system-level test program should ensure appropriate risk mitigation at the unit, interface, and system level and should incorporate scale, stress, and load testing.
• Identify innovative approaches to test execution, automation, scripting, etc that minimizes cost while ensuring thorough system validation.
• Identify any required test tools, plan for and manage development of any custom test tools or simulators that are required to support the defined program. Lead technical procurement of any test-related activities.
• Foster a culture of innovation, speed, and accountability, leveraging iterative development, rapid prototyping, and continuous learning.
• Integrate best practices from the new space industry: agile development, modular architecture, fail fast, lean processes, and commercial-grade supply chains.
• Implement and utilize modern tools and digital engineering approaches, including AI/ML, collaboration tools, MBSE platforms, and digital twins to manage performance vs cost, schedules, and risks.
• Lead in building a new way of design, development and manufacturing of constellation systems with the ability to verticalize and exercise design, financial and schedule control for the space segment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Must have a Bachelors’ Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a similar discipline .
• At least 10 years’ experience in integration and test of complex communication systems
• Comprehensive knowledge in satellite communications, integration and test programs, networking, data communications and systems engineering.
• Extensive knowledge and experience understanding industry best practices in lab and field test programs
• Capability to interface with various levels of employees, mentoring staff, providing reports to management
• Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal), including prior experience in presenting technical data and metrics to non-technical audiences
• Proven ability to lead highly technical, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Deep understanding of LEO/MEO/GEO payload and satellite systems, vertical integration, and trade studies that balancing risk and innovation.
• Demonstrated success using agile, iterative development methods in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Familiarity with new space tools, methods, and practices—COTS hardware, streamlined mission assurance, and vertical integration strategies.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and executive reporting skills.

Key Requirements

• Willingness to undergo clearance process
• Able to travel nationally & internationally

Salary range: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00 + bonus + benefits.

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.