Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME

Who We Are:

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled connectivity, we deliver multi-orbit, end-to-end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth communications across the globe.

Our differentiated multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure to deliver resilient, low-latency, high-throughput connectivity at a global scale. With more than 120 satellites covering nearly the entire world, a global ground network, and thousands of deployed terminals supporting over 5,000 government missions annually, SES Space and Defense is a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies including NASA for mission-critical communications.

We strive to be the only solution when success is critical and recognize our people as our competitive advantage. At SES Space & Defense, you’ll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real-world impact across today’s most critical missions.

What You'll Do:

The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide Tier 3 tracking, planning, troubleshooting and coordination for all things satellite communications (SATCOM) systems related to Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems platforms while supporting a team. This can consist of work with full motion video (FMV), sensor data transport issues and development, and unit level support. The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME will take part in any operations, mission planning, conferences and document writing as required by the customer. The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME is part of a team that ensures effective SATCOM network utilization for Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems platforms. The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME may be required to work priority issues after normal work hours, telephonically. The duty schedule for this position is a 5-day work week (Monday through Friday), 8 hours per day. The 5-day work week may include some nights/weekends and/or holidays and will include travel. The position is located at MacDill AFB, FL, and requires some travel to meet mission requirements.

• Serve as the technical authority for SATCOM, LOS/BLOS communications, and IT architecture supporting AISR platforms.
• Analyze, design, and optimize end‑to‑end data pathways from sensor to shooter, including onboard networks, RF systems, ground nodes, PED nodes, and enterprise transport layers.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements for IP networks, mission system architectures, datalinks, encryption solutions, cross‑domain technologies, and multi‑INT payload integrations.
• Support development and refinement of CONOPS, TTPs, and mission workflows related to data transport, airborne networking, and distributed operations.
• Perform assessments of current and emerging SATCOM systems, including GEO/HEO/MEO constellations, commercial/military waveforms, and adaptive networking technologies.
• Assess cyber vulnerabilities and ensure cybersecurity compliance for mission systems, data links, onboard networks, and ground infrastructure.
• Provide technical guidance for integration of new sensors, communication payloads, antennas, routers, servers, and software baselines into existing platforms.
• Collaborate with program offices, operators, engineering teams, and industry partners to align capability development with mission requirements.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, platform assessments, interface documents, and briefings for leadership.
• Verify technical equipment specifications to ensure all new and existing aircraft follow policies and procedures set by USSOCOM J6 policy
• Support training of AISR management center personnel
• Travel to sites, if necessary, for planning, implementation, or troubleshooting of Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems platforms.
• May assist technical project leader or provide work leadership for lower-level employees
• May provide written technical descriptions and contribute to the development of technical solutions in support of proposal efforts
• Support, communicate, reinforce, and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
• Attend appropriate engineering, customer, or business meetings

Who You Are:

You are a technically advanced SATCOM and airborne systems expert with deep experience supporting AISR missions across manned and unmanned platforms. You understand how to architect, troubleshoot, and optimize end-to-end communications and data transport environments, from onboard RF and networking systems to ground infrastructure, PED nodes, and enterprise dissemination layers. You bring strong expertise in LOS/BLOS communications, FMV transport, airborne networking, and mission system integration, along with the ability to evaluate emerging technologies and translate them into operational capability. You are comfortable operating alongside operators, engineers, program offices, and mission partners in high-tempo environments, providing technical leadership, strategic guidance, and rapid problem resolution for mission-critical systems. Ultimately, you serve as a trusted technical authority who ensures airborne ISR platforms remain connected, operationally effective, and aligned to evolving mission requirements. 

• Bachelor’s Degree and 6+ years of experience or relevant combination of education and/or experience
• Candidate must have a Top Secret (TS) Clearance with SCI eligibility
• Experience with specific AISR platforms (manned or unmanned), including payload integration, sensor networking, or airborne communications setups
• Knowledge of advanced networking technologies such as SD‑WAN, MANET, mesh networking, or multi‑path transport
• Familiarity with cloud-based data architectures and enterprise ISR dissemination frameworks
• Experience with program offices, JCIDS documentation, or acquisition lifecycle support.

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SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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