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Principal Systems Engineer

SES Satellites
Chicago, IL Contractor
POSTED ON 12/4/2025 CLOSED ON 1/2/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Systems Engineer position at SES Satellites?

Requisition Number: 19427

Contract Type: Permanent

Location(s):

Chicago, IL, US McLean, VA, US

Principal Systems Engineer

Your role in helping us shape the future:

SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer. You will help us design and develop solutions aimed at providing key features, functionality, and future vision for commercial aviation connectivity to deliver at home internet access experience while seated on an airplane. Solutions integrate many individual sub-systems from the users’ connected devices, through the aircraft, across satellites, ground-based teleports, data centers, and to the internet. Solutions are knit together and defined with various development teams, product management, and various support organizations.

Are you up to the challenge?

The ideal candidate for this role will be a working member of the systems engineering team delivering quality technical solutions that address strategic technical and business needs carrying through concept, design, deployment, and field support. This role requires solid understanding of networking, ability to learn cutting edge technology and to drive application to next generation solution realization, being able to communicate leadership technical views both written and verbal to a variety of people and organizations, and contribute to cross-functional teams within SES and with suppliers and customers.

Can you drive these processes?

  • You will define system-level, technical requirements for SES's commercial aviation in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems.
  • Define sub-system requirements for on-aircraft and ground-based IFEC hardware / servers.
  • Design and document high-level architecture for IFEC systems.
  • Work with Product Owners to review & refine epic and feature-level business requirements.
  • Work with Software Developers to refine feature-level software designs.
  • Work with Testers to ensure test cases accurately cover all technical requirements.

You should definitely have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Minimum of 4 years' experience writing technical requirements for embedded and/or telecommunication systems, system-level would be a bonus
  • Excellent working knowledge of common Web/networking protocols (802.11 or other RF protocols) and software services such as TCP/IP, HTTP Services (e.g., NGINX), virtualization and containerization.
  • Experience with front end process flow; understanding of process inputs from Product Management and needed outputs to Development and Test.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
    • Web service & cloud computing infrastructure
    • Modern web service to client/application technologies.
    • Network infrastructures including routers, gateways, load balancers, firewalls, and deep packet inspection systems.
    • Stateful/Stateless Firewall and NAT solutions.
    • Wireless communication systems and protocols particularly WiFi and Satellite (GEO, MEO, LEO).
  • Proven ability to understand complex systems comprised of communication, computing, and Internet technologies.
  • Ability to aggregate, organize, and present complex technical information
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects efficiently.
  • Excellent analytical skills and ability to think critically.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international, multi-site environment.
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
It would be nice if you had:

  • Knowledge of LTE, 5G, or satellite systems.
  • Master’s degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Experience with Jama Connect.
  • Experience with Agile PLM.

What it’s like to work with us:

SES Commercial Aviation is connecting the commercial aviation world and transforming the satellite landscape through use of next generation technologies such as Electronic Steerable Arrays (ESA) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites while integrating these technologies into industry leading Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) baseline solutions. We are defining new products that will open new, profitable markets. To help us reach this goal, you should be a bold thinker who will perform a key role in shaping and leading SES innovation for years to come.

  • We emphasize personal and professional growth
  • Awesome benefits including DTO, medical, 401K, and training
  • Flexible work arrangements including 3 days of hybrid in office work experience
  • Fun, diverse, and inclusive culture



Other Job Info:

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

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.

For more information on SES, click here.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago

Hourly Wage Estimation for Principal Systems Engineer in Chicago, IL
$56.00 to $66.00
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