Job Description

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

SES is seeking a Mission Software & Operational Workflows Senior Engineer to define the mission-level software behavior, operational workflows, and user-facing architecture for mission and payload control systems supporting Pathfinder optical communications missions and the future meoSphere constellation.

This role focuses on how mission operations are realized in software—translating mission needs into workflows, automation logic, state behavior, and operator interactions The architect defines how operators, automation systems, and mission services interact to plan, execute, and monitor missions across spacecraft, payload, and ground systems.

The role does not replace or duplicate systems engineering, but instead works alongside it—taking mission concepts and constraints and translating them into software-operational design that can be implemented by GSMS and SCoE development teams.

The inbumbent partners closely with the Software Systems & Implementation Architect to ensure mission workflows are implemented as scalable, automation-ready services, using a prototype-first and AI-assisted development approach to validate concepts early.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

Mission Software Architecture & CONOPS Translation

• Translate mission CONOPS and stakeholder needs into software workflows, services, and operator interactions
• Define how mission planning, execution, monitoring, and analysis are implemented in GSMS software
• Define mission modes, states, and transitions as implemented in software systems
• Ensure mission concepts are expressed in a way that is directly implementable by development teams

Operational Workflow & User-Facing Design

• Define operator workflows for:
• Mission planning and scheduling
• Command generation and execution
• Telemetry monitoring and analysis
• Anomaly detection and response
• Design human-in-the-loop vs automation boundaries within mission software
• Ensure workflows reflect real operational constraints (e.g., asynchronous TT&C, limited contact windows)
• Drive consistency and usability across GSMS user interfaces and operational tools

Payload Operations in Software

• Define how payload operations are executed and automated within mission software
• Develop workflows for optical communications (OGS passes, calibration, link setup, space-to-space links)
• Define software-driven coordination between payload, spacecraft interfaces, and ground systems
• Ensure payload operations are expressed as repeatable, automatable software procedures and services

Mission Data, State, and Behavior Modeling

• Define mission-level data flows, control flows, and state representations within GSMS
• Contribute to the design of the digital twin / state model from an operational software perspective
• Define how commands, telemetry, and derived state are used to drive mission workflows
• Ensure traceability between mission intent, software behavior, and telemetry verification

AI-Assisted Prototyping & “Code as Requirements”

• Use AI-assisted (“agentic”) development tools to rapidly prototype mission workflows and operational logic
• Translate mission scenarios, ICDs, and procedures into executable software prototypes
• Validate workflows through simulation, digital twin interaction, and early integration testing
• Promote a “code as requirements” approach, where working implementations validate operational design

Cross-Team Alignment (Software-Centric)

• Serve as the primary interface between mission stakeholders and GSMS software teams
• Align mission workflows with payload teams, integration partners, and operations teams
• Ensure mission requirements are clearly defined in software terms (APIs, workflows, behaviors)
• Support integration planning and readiness from a mission software perspective

Constellation Mission Software Evolution

• Define software approaches for multi-satellite mission coordination and fleet-level operations
• Contribute to automated mission planning, scheduling, and execution frameworks
• Ensure mission workflows scale from Pathfinder prototypes to constellation operations

• Support evolution toward AI-assisted and autonomous mission operations

Preferred Qualifications & Compentencies

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 10 years experience designing software-driven workflows or operational systems for complex environments
• Experience working with mission operations, payload systems, or distributed software systems
• Strong ability to translate operational needs into software behavior and workflows
• Experience working across software development, integration, and operations teams
• Strong communication and stakeholder alignment skills
• Experience with satellite mission operations software or payload control systems
• Experience with command and telemetry systems and mission planning tools
• Experience defining state machines, workflows, or orchestration logic in software systems
• Experience with simulation, digital twin, or modeling tools (e.g., STK)
• Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools or rapid prototyping approaches
• Experience working in multi-vendor or partner-driven environments

Desired Attributes

• Strong focus on software-first thinking for mission operations
• Ability to translate complex mission needs into clear, implementable software designs
• Builder mentality with emphasis on prototyping and rapid validation
• Curiosity-driven and comfortable exploring new approaches (automation, AI-assisted workflows)
• Collaborative mindset bridging mission stakeholders and software developers
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving “new space” environments

Why This Role Matters

Pathfinder missions introduce new payload technologies and operational models that must be realized through software. The Mission Software & Operations Architect ensures that mission concepts are translated into clear, usable, and automatable software workflows, enabling efficient operations and rapid iteration.

By focusing on software-driven mission design, this role helps bridge the gap between mission intent and implementation—ensuring SES builds systems that are both operationally effective and scalable to constellation-level operations.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• The candidate must be eligible for a “SECRET” security clearance, in accordance with the national regulations as well as EU/ESA/NATO equivalents
• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposes

Embark on a career with us, where diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's our driving force. We are crafting a workplace mosaic that values every hue, background, and perspective. Join a global team where inclusivity sparks innovation, and individuality is not only embraced but celebrated. At SES we are committed to hiring inspiring individuals from all backgrounds. We take great pride in creating safe and inclusive processes and we support the recruitment, retention, and evolution of all employees irrespective ofgender, colour, race, ethnicity, religion,sexual orientation,disability,veteranor marital status, backgroundor walk in life.