Senior Principal Engineer - Platform

About the role

FADA is looking for a Senior Principal Engineer to lead the design, integration and validation of satellite bus platforms for advanced space missions. The role reports to the VP of Engineering and Capability Development and works closely with system engineers, payload specialists and cross‑functional teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end system engineering activities for satellite platforms, from requirements definition to performance analysis.
• Coordinate propulsion, power, thermal, avionics and structural subsystems to ensure platform compatibility.
• Manage interface control documents, system budgets (mass, power, data) and verification plans.
• Conduct trade studies, risk assessments and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Collaborate with payload engineers, mission planners and ground‑segment specialists for seamless integration.
• Support launch and early orbit operations (LEOP), anomaly resolution and post‑launch performance evaluation.
• Mentor junior engineers and improve engineering processes.
• Provide technical input for business development, proposals and R&D activities.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in satellite system engineering, preferably on flight‑proven platforms.
• Proven track record of leading complex satellite platform projects.
• Strong project management skills, including timeline, budget and risk control.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Required skills

• Satellite platform engineering
• System engineering
• Propulsion systems
• Power systems
• Thermal analysis
• Avionics
• Structural analysis
• Interface Control Document (ICD) management
• Mass, power and data budgeting
• Verification planning
• Trade studies and risk assessment
• Design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Launch and Early Orbit Operations (LEOP)