Senior Systems Engineer

Simera Sense, a leading mid- to high-resolution earth observation camera supplier for CubeSats and small satellites for companies from around the globe, is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our team in Toulouse, France. Our head office is based in Somerset West, South Africa.

Job Purpose:

Direct product technical development and customer technical interaction from initial User Requirements to ultimate operation of Simera Sense’s products, including hardware and software, using systems thinking principles.

Key Performance Areas and Responsibilities:

• Financial
  • Works with the Chief Technical Officer and Senior Project management lead and technical division managers to ensure overall technical solutions are optimized from a budget, multidivisional collaboration and technical risk management perspective. Final systems will span multiple execution domains.
  • Having a complete technical understanding from the topmost perspective to optimize the final solution and, moreover, develop an optimal range of solutions.
• Customer
  • The senior Systems Engineer will be the lead technical interface to customers for assigned projects. The senior Systems Engineer will be supported by other systems engineers and product managers and product engineers, guided by Simera Sense overarching systems engineering, development and customer engagement and contract execution processes.
  • Work with Earth observation customers to derive mission and payload requirements together with verification techniques and flow down to software and hardware teams, including suppliers.
• Internal
  • Lead the systems engineering effort for electro-optical payload hardware and software development projects, from concept to delivery, ensuring adherence to project technical requirements, schedule, and budget constraints.
  • Define system architecture and requirements based on internal or external customer needs and mission objectives.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including optical, mechanical, electronic, software and optical test engineers, to develop innovative solutions that meet technical requirements and performance goals.
  • Conduct system-level analysis, modelling, and simulation to validate design concepts and performance predictions.
  • Lead integration and testing activities, including environmental testing and qualification, to ensure hardware meets specifications and requirements.
  • Work with on-orbit systems to ensure end-to-end model correlation is achieved to serve as mature input for future development.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and team members.
  • Communicate project status, risks, and issues to senior management and stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance systems engineering processes and methodologies.
  • Support business development activities for optical payload customers and earth observation missions.
• Innovative and learning
  • Manage people within systems engineering discipline and ensure their development (skills management, coaching, career development, mindset), adequacy with the expected needs (quality and quantity) at the right time and allocation to projects.
  • Adopt a Lean Management approach and apply Agile principles to the management and development of your team.
  • Take charge of the practices and tools used in Simera Sense for tailoring and execution of system engineering processes.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems engineering, with a focus on electro-optical imaging systems for space applications.

Required Experience:

• 10+ years of demonstrated experience in earth observation payload/missions and image processing-associated activities.
• A good understanding of bus performance needs (AKE, APE, stability, guidance profiles) derived from optical mission requirements.
• Able to challenge customer needs (GSD, MTF, SNR, …) and include data processing (level 0 to 1c) capabilities into achievable end-to-end performances.
• Strong technical expertise in optics, imaging systems, sensors, and electronics.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex hardware projects from concept to delivery.
• Experience with systems engineering tools and methodologies, such as requirements management, system modelling, and simulation.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a focus on delivering high-quality results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Fluent in French and English

Recommendations:

• Certification as a Systems Engineering Professional will be advantageous.
• Using MBSE tools
• Experience using Siemens Teamcenter PLM tools.

Special requirement(s):

• Willingness to travel internationally.

Required Competencies:

• Leadership: Ability to lead cross-functional teams and inspire them to achieve project goals. Provide direction, guidance, and support to team members.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
• Decision-Making: Make informed decisions based on data and analysis, considering the impact on the project and the organization.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate ideas and information to team members, stakeholders, and senior management.
• Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate changes and challenges in the project environment.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks, teams and priorities effectively.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to ensure project success.
• Conflict Resolution: Skill in managing conflicts and resolving issues that arise during the project lifecycle.
• Customer Focus: Focus on meeting or exceeding customer expectations and delivering value to the organization.
• Quality Orientation: Commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, adhering to standards and best practices.
• Innovation: Willingness to explore new ideas and approaches to improve project management processes.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.