Senior Engineer - OSS Platforms & RAN Orchestration (3GPP NRM - Satellite - IRIS2)

Senior Engineer - OSS Platforms & RAN Orchestration (3GPP NRM - Satellite - IRIS2)

SES

The Hague, Netherlands

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The incumbent will support the design, modelling, and implementation of OSS supervision architecture for a Next-Generation 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) system based on a MEO satellite constellation.

A central focus of the role is developing 3GPP-compliant Network Resource Models (NRMs), particularly for the Central Unit/Distributed Unit (DU) split gNB architecture hosted onboard satellites, in line with the TS 28.x standards. The incumbent will also co-drive the design of the Mission Control Centre (MCC), which orchestrates Mobile Xn configuration, telemetry ingestion, and traffic steering over Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs).

The incumbent will be part of a multi-disciplinary and international team of experienced engineers and will gradually take on increased responsibility depending on project scope. The role bridges systems engineering, satellite network architecture, and OSS design, ensuring operational robustness, 3GPP compliance, and orchestration readiness in complex, sovereign space infrastructure programmes.

As a member of an agile project organization, you will be expected to bring a flexible way of working and an adaptive mindset to a dynamic development environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/KEY RESULT AREAS

• Deliver projects and services to external and internal customers within the agreed budget, specification and schedule. This includes:
  • Modelling the onboard satellite gNB network using 3GPP Network Resource Models (NRMs), focusing on the CU/DU functional split as per TS 28.541, TS 28.562, and TS 28.622, respectively the transport and slice-level supervision (TS 28.554, TS 28.557);
  • Defining the structure and lifecycle of NRM-based inventory and its dynamic management by the Mission Control Center (MCC);
  • Specifying periodic configuration flows from the MCC to the gNBs, including Mobile Xn setup and CU reassignment scenarios;
  • Designing OSS supervision logic covering the onboard gNB lifecycle, from boot-up and configuration to failure handling;
  • Leading the design of telemetry, event, and fault models compliant with 3GPP OAM standards (TS 32.111, TS 28.550), and defining MCC responses to OISL conditions (e.g. load, link status, failures) based on telemetry KPIs;
  • Collaborating with simulation engineers to integrate the above models into functional system prototypes;
  • Analyse and decompose the higher-level requirements into more detailed ones related to the satellite subsystem;
  • Assess deviations from requirements and evaluate their impact at a higher level to ensure that a critical part of the system and mission objectives are achieved;
  • Review the technical documentation (e.g., design documentation, test methods, reports) and assess the content's validity;
  • Define comprehensive test plans and procedures to ensure the system satisfies its requirements, performs as intended; and assist with test operations;
  • Handle budgets, handle procurements, manage installations and the operational handover of ground segment and communications systems;
  • In the scope of the project, coordinate with other functions (Project Management, Project Control, Legal, Finance) for the transparent and effective realisation of assigned projects;
  • Interface and engage with external partners (e.g. customers, Consortium partners and suppliers, vendors, etc.).
• Take an active part in SES TechCom's proposal activities through the provision of Technical Specifications, Statement of Works (SOW's) and Cost Estimations, in response to customer Requests For Information (RFI) and customer Requests For Proposals (RFP), whereby the activities could include the set-up, supervision and coordination of interdisciplinary proposal teams in the function of the technical and commercial proposal preparation and along contract negotiation process;
• Proactively scopes the technical solution required to address customer requirements, assesses customers' met and unmet needs, and recommends solutions that optimise value for both the customer and the firm;
• Awareness and evaluation of relevant technological developments, industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive factors, customer requirements, standardisation licensing and regulatory aspects.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work independently and with limited supervision in complex environments, e.g. project or matrix organizations:
  • Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing project requirements and environments;
  • Ability to think strategically and align project goals with organizational objectives;
  • Problem-solving and decision-making abilities;
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to acquire detailed technical information within pre-defined deadlines and apply it in everyday situations;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to integrate into and lead cross-functional, multicultural and/or virtual project teams;
• Proven communication skills to communicate complex information, concepts, or ideas in a confident and well-organised manner through verbal, written, and/or visual means. This also includes presentations in front of a larger audience, e.g. at conferences;
• Business-oriented and business proactive towards potential and/or current customers;
• Innovative spirit, proactive approach towards new technical solutions;
• Sense of initiative and a can-do attitude;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering or like field (a combination of experience and education will be considered);
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in OSS, RAN orchestration, or 3GPP-compliant supervision systems;
• Mastery of 3GPP TS 28.x series (especially NRM for CU/DU: TS 28.541, 28.622, 28.554);
• Deep knowledge of RAN architecture (CU/DU/DU pool, Xn management);
• Deep knowledge of Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) with both IPv4 and IPv6 is a strong asset;
• Familiarity with O-RAN SMO concepts and O1/E2, A1 interface supervision;
• Understanding of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) is a strong asset;
• Comfortable with modeling complex systems using UML;
• Experience in requirement-based systems engineering;
• Fluency in English, any other EU language is considered an asset.