Team Leader, Satellite Operations

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

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

• The Team Leader, Spacecraft Operations, is responsible for leading a team of satellite controllers in a dynamic spacecraft operations environment during the execution of 24/7 operations. The Team Leader is charged with ensuring the health and safety of the SES owned and operated fleet in order to provide revenues from transponder operations and to maximize the capacity and longevity of the in-orbit assets, which can minimize capital expenditures over time. The incumbent manages an operational staff of 7 Satellite Controllers and is responsible for ensuring their team executes operations in accordance with O&E Concept of Operations (ConOps) and all O&E processes, procedures, and documentation. The Team Lead must possess the ability to work in a fast-paced, highly demanding environment while maintaining situational awareness and have a keen ability to delegate and multi-task.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULTS AREAS

• Provide support to the Controller Teams Manager to manage the Tysons Satellite Operations Center
• Responsible for the day to day flight operations of all SES and third-party customer satellites to ensure proper operation, responding to satellite and ground network alarms and escalating per established CONOPs and procedures.
• Organize and support a 24/7 operational environment
• Provide a satellite fleet operational capability of the highest quality for customers
• Manage a technical staff of 5-7 Spacecraft Controllers
• Ensure the Satellite Operations Center is continuously fully operational and coordinate activities in consequence
• Support and co-ordinate the availability and use of a diverse worldwide network of operational resources
• Deliberately manage team resources to maximize successful outcomes during the execution of ARC dynamic payload optimization operations.
• Implement operational policies and procedures. Provide leadership feedback of challenges and recommendations as appropriate with a focus on operations excellence.
• Work closely with all ground and space group stakeholders
• Seek out opportunities to improve the performance and efficiency of operations with a focus on customer experience and the health and safety of the SES owned and operated satellite fleet.
• Identify and actively manage operational risk while making decisions in the best interest of SES business objectives. Take deliberate action to ensure negative impacts to customer services and/or spacecraft safety are mitigated.
• Function as the escalation point for third party satellites and hosted payloads, O&E stakeholders, and senior management during anomalies and non-routine activities, requesting On-Call assistance as necessary and directing team response during contingency or emergency operations.
• Effectively manage and support the Controller Teams to fulfil their daily operations tasks and personal objectives, especially focus on delivery and outcomes
• Champion the SES culture and foster a team environment that prioritizes operations excellence, resilience, and agility while ensuring team and personal accountability.
• Provide Controller Team members constructive and explanatory talks and pass positive and motivational messages. Report any kind of soft skills misbehaviour to management.
• Take ownership of your objectives. You are responsible for your Team's performance. Foster your direct reports ownership of their objectives. Escalate in case of objections.
• Participate in the hiring of positions within the group when available.
• Recommend, prepare, and submit controller promotions and Achievement Awards if warranted or upon SOC Manager requests.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to lead a team of professionals by remaining credible in the technical and inter-personal aspects of the position.
• Good knowledge and understanding of spacecraft and spacecraft operations
• Good understanding of computer, baseband and RF equipment associated with a TT&C facility
• Have experience in and understand the operations of a satellite and its subsystems in detail
• Have a working understanding of orbital mechanics
• Good understanding of troubleshooting methodologies
• Ability to creatively problem solve while understanding and appropriately accounting for risk
• Good interpersonal and management skills
• Good writing and reporting skills
• Effective communication skills with people
• Objective, rational and multidisciplinary thinking
• Courage to act upon convictions
• A high degree of integrity

• Provide immediate and candid feedback, especially on any observed misbehaviour affecting team spirit or satellite operations.
• Confidentiality is a must whenever required.

• Ability to face up to problems quickly and take action
• A willingness to be self-critical and learn from mistakes - avoiding hubris
• Acts within her or his circle of competence and knows the boundary
• A mathematical and analytic mind
• Always explains "Why?" something needs to be done to ensure the job gets done and done correctly

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Technical/engineering degree in electronics, aeronautics or equivalent qualifications;
• A high level of competency in satellite operations.
• Have experience as controller and be certified/accredited would be a key advantage.
• An ability to manage and motivate people
• A demonstrated ability to work across organizational boundaries:

• High operational awareness
• Analytical skills
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Effective communicator with good written and oral reporting skills and excellent interpersonal skills
• Display an ability and interest to continuously learn

• Keep a calm head in a stressful situation

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Key Performance Indicators
  • Transponder availability
  • Meet satellite operational constraints
  • Satellite Operations Center system availability
  • Propellant life optimization
  • Development of team as a cohesive unit that is capable of rapid response to spacecraft and/or ground system failures or anomalies.

• Interfaces
  • Work very closely with all SES operational and engineering teams;
  • Work closely with TT&C stations;
  • Work closely with SES customer interface entities

SES is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.