Senior Satellite Systems Engineer

Job Title: Senior Satellite Systems Engineer – Mission-Level Technical Authority

Location: Budapest Hungary

Company: 4iG Space and Defence Technologies

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Space Systems & Programs

Experience Level: Senior / Principal

About 4iG Space and Defence Technologies

4iG Space and Defence Technologies is a key player in Europe's rapidly evolving aerospace and security landscape. As part of the 4iG Group, we develop and deliver integrated space capabilities that serve national strategic interests, from satellite-based infrastructure to dual-use services. We operate at the intersection of innovation, resilience and sovereignty.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Satellite Systems Engineer to serve as the technical lead and integrator across all mission elements of complex satellite programs. This position is not a line management or internal supervisory role but instead focuses on providing high-level technical oversight of several external organizations responsible for different mission components — including spacecraft manufacturing and integration, ground segment development and operations and data service delivery.

You will ensure coherence, performance alignment and risk mitigation across the entire system-of-systems, serving as the key engineering authority bridging upstream and downstream domains.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical point of convergence for multi-entity satellite missions involving separate upstream and downstream contractors.
• Define, maintain and validate system-level architecture, interfaces and end-to-end performance requirements across mission domains (satellite, ground segment, operations and data services).
• Oversee technical execution and system integration across participating contractors, ensuring schedule and performance alignment without directly managing their teams.
• Review and evaluate technical deliverables from satellite manufacturers, ground segment providers and data service integrators.
• Ensure interoperability and compliance with program objectives, regulatory constraints (e.g., ECSS, ITU, national policies) and mission requirements.
• Lead and participate in cross-domain technical reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, ORR), providing system-level validation and integration perspectives.
• Support procurement teams in defining technical specifications, SoWs and interface control documents for subcontracted partners.
• Proactively identify and resolve cross-functional or cross-contractor technical risks and interface issues.
• Coordinate with internal program stakeholders, government authorities and international partners to ensure mission integrity.

Required Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in space systems engineering, including leading cross-disciplinary and multi-contractor projects.
• Proven experience in end-to-end space mission development, with emphasis on systems integration and technical leadership.
• Strong understanding of satellite and ground segment architectures, TT&C, payload operations, data downlink and service chains.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards, MBSE approaches and interface control across disaggregated systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and documentation skills — able to align technically diverse partners toward common goals.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain relevant national or NATO-level security clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing or interfacing with space missions involving public-private or multi-actor collaboration (e.g., government, industrial consortiums).
• Exposure to dual-use or defence-related satellite missions.
• Knowledge of secure communications, ISR payloads, Earth observation data flows, or AI-enabled data processing chains.
• Experience with frequency coordination, space policy, or national/international licensing and regulatory frameworks.
• Fluency in English and Hungarian; knowledge of other European languages is a plus.

What We Offer

• A strategic and technically authoritative role in high-impact national and international space programs.
• Opportunity to shape mission-critical infrastructure across the full upstream–downstream value chain.
• Collaborative environment with leading European and global space stakeholders.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with relocation support if applicable.
• Professional autonomy and long-term career growth in a future-oriented sector.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short statement of interest through our careers portal at [email protected] .

• Security Clearance Requirements: This role may require obtaining and maintaining a national or NATO-level security clearance.