Demo

SATCOM Planner - Engineer III Communications

SES Space & Defense
Tampa, FL Full Time
POSTED ON 10/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/25/2026
Who We Are

At SES Space & Defense, we deliver secure, resilient connectivity and integrated space solutions for customers operating in the world’s most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled communications, we combine capabilities across all orbits with extensive global ground infrastructure, managed networks, hosted payload solutions, and mission integration services to support communications, sensing, data transport, and operational resilience worldwide.

Our vertically integrated space and ground capabilities bring together satellite capacity, terrestrial infrastructure, advanced network technologies, and deployed user terminals to support mission-critical government operations around the world. We are a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, NASA, and other civilian agencies, delivering reliable, high-performance solutions when mission success is critical.

At SES Space & Defense, our people are our competitive advantage. You’ll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, innovation, accountability, and delivering real-world impact for customers whose missions matter most.

Title: SATCOM Planner - Engineer III Communications

Location: Tampa, FL

Contingent Hire

Summary

The SATCOM Planner will provide communications planning for deployed SATCOM terminals for commercial and MILSATCOM networks including but not limited to iDirect, ViaSat, KuSS, BGAN, WGS, AEHF, and VHF, UHF networks. Planning will require engaging with SATCOM Engineers in the design and implementation of special operations forces (SOF) global satellite networks. The planning will include, but is not limited to, reviewing satellite access requests (SARs); determining the optimal network for each request; completing the configuration planning; coordinating configuration(s) with applicable SOF strategic entry points; and the distribution of Satellite Access Authorizations (SAA), cut-sheets, and configuration files for SOF and MILSATCOM networks. Analyzes moderately complex communication systems including planning, designing, evaluating, selecting operating systems and protocol suites, and configuring communication media with concentrators, bridges, and other devices. May include local and wide area networks, data, and voice communications. Networks may be one or a combination of terrestrial, wireless, or satellite.

Primary & Essential Accountabilities

  • Performs network systems monitoring/management/troubleshooting, incident tracking, coordination, and reporting (e.g., performance, problem, change, capacity, security); escalate incidents to administrators/engineers and management teams for resolution; submit change requests, submit trouble tickets, alert support teams to issues and tickets in the cue; track and provide updates to support SLA's
  • Ensures full interoperability and a seamless connection between all internal and external systems to include but not limited to DISN Video Services-Global (DVS-G), NIPRNET, SIPRNET, JWICS, BICES, CENTRIX, etc…
  • Performs monitoring, management, troubleshooting, technical advisement, and reporting status of program of record systems (e.g., SDN-L/M/H, SCAMPI, SOFTACS, TACLAN)
  • Real-time monitoring of bandwidth management utilization on terrestrial and satellite links
  • Proactive tracking and reporting protocol usage statistics (e.g., identify top talkers by protocol)
  • Analyzes network topologies and traffic and capacity requirements
  • Analyzes voice, video, radio-frequency, and/or data communications networks including planning, designing, evaluating, selecting, and upgrading operating systems and protocol suites and configuring communication media with concentrators, bridges, and other devices
  • Monitoring and coordination with public carriers and other circuit providers to perform any operations activities (e.g., provisioning, problem management)
  • Attend appropriate engineering, customer or business meetings
  • May lead/train less experienced SATCOM Planners
  • Performs satellite bandwidth management
  • iDirect hub administration, Q/C, and service desk duties
  • Attend appropriate engineering, customer or business meetings
  • ASI impact notification
  • MILSATCOM planning
  • JIST SAR submission
  • GAR submission – CONEX
  • EBEM/ESEM IP management
  • ARSTRAT waivers for antennas not covered by SOCOM SDB
  • SAA/GAA denial tracking
  • SOFLE Planning
  • COCOM coordination
  • PIM management
  • Commercial SATCOM beam change requests
  • Processes and manage AISR requirements
  • Process and manage L-TAC requirements
  • Disseminates and enforces customers policies
  • Analyzes moderately complex communication systems, including planning, designing, evaluating, selecting operating systems and protocol suites and configuring communication media with concentrators, bridges and other devices
  • Resolves interoperability problems to obtain operations across all platforms including e-mail, files transfer, multimedia, teleconferencing and the like
  • Configures systems to user environments
  • Supports acquisition of hardware and software as well as subcontractor services as needed
  • May contribute to proposal efforts
  • Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization

Qualification Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related technical field and a minimum of five years applicable information systems or network systems engineering experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Fluency in technologies and application domain
  • Active U.S. Government Department of Defense (DoD) TS/SCI level security clearance

SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $[95,699] to $[131,500]. The final base salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the position’s location, the candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

Where applicable, this position may also be eligible for an annual bonus. Employees are eligible to participate in SES Space & Defense’s benefits programs, which include paid vacation, sick and personal leave; medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k)-retirement plan; and others.

Salary.com Estimation for SATCOM Planner - Engineer III Communications in Tampa, FL
$107,388 to $128,920
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