Chief Engineer – Future SATCOM Projects

About the role

Airbus Defence and Space is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead future satellite communications (SATCOM) projects in the Munich area. The role will support the Satcom Chief & Systems Engineering department, ensuring technical coherence from contract signing through in‑service operation.

Key responsibilities

• Guarantee end‑to‑end technical coherence, compliance and performance of SATCOM solutions throughout the product lifecycle.
• Identify and coordinate Centres of Competence (CoC) and Enablers to deliver required technical solutions.
• Collect and analyse customer and programme requirements and translate them into CONOPS, PBS, FBS, WBS and CBS.
• Allocate contract requirements, define technical decisions, trade‑offs and milestones with CoCs.
• Ensure product safety, security and reliability, and drive technical reviews and certifications.
• Tailor processes, methods and tools in collaboration with quality project management.
• Plan workload and competency needs, and manage cost of non‑quality issues.

Required profile

• Proven experience in SATCOM system engineering and lifecycle management.
• Strong ability to work with cross‑functional teams and external Centres of Competence.
• Experience conducting technical reviews and managing accreditation or certification processes.
• Capability to define and evaluate technical trade‑offs, cost, value and risk.

Required skills

• Systems engineering for satellite communications.
• Development of Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Product Breakdown Structure (PBS).
• Linking Functional Breakdown Structure (FBS), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS).
• Technical review and certification management.
• Process tailoring and quality management.

What we offer

• Attractive salary with special payments.
• 30 days paid vacation plus extra days for special occasions.
• Employer‑funded pension, employee stock options and discounted car leasing.
• On‑site facilities: kindergarten, medical officer, canteen, gym.
• Flexible working models, job sharing and part‑time options.
• International development prospects in a multicultural environment.