Senior Manager - System Engineering (Space42)

About This Role

About Us Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to enlighten the Earth from space. Established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42’s global reach allows it to address the rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and communities.

Our vision is to pioneer beyond today for humanity to experience a better tomorrow. Space42 challenges traditional approaches with advanced AI and cutting-edge satellite technology, making space more accessible and redefining how data from space can be used on Earth. We aim to achieve this by connecting people to rewire potential, informing decisions to reimagine impact and enabling action to redefine tomorrow.

For more information visit: www.space42.ai, follow us on X and Instagram @Space42ai

Overview Within the Product and System Engineering function, the System Engineering Senior Manager role is to design, deliver, and support complex technical solutions and programs that meet customer requirements while ensuring high standards of engineering quality, operational efficiency, and commercial viability. Although mostly focused on System engineering, the role bridges technical expertise, customer engagement and some project execution ensuring that solutions are innovative, cost-effective, and aligned with the company’s strategic technology roadmap.

He/She contributes to the successful delivery of new solutions by leading system design, integration, support testing, and delivery activities, ensuring alignment with business objectives and engineering standards.

He/She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including Strategy, Commercial, Finance, and Operations to ensure proposed and delivered solutions support business growth objectives and remain aligned with company strategy, governance policies, performance targets, and evolving customer requirements. Ensures technical initiatives are commercially viable, operationally sustainable, and strategically aligned with organizational priorities.

Responsibilities Technical Solutions & System Design:

• Support commercial teams to develop innovative and cost-effective technical solutions, proposals and initiatives.
• Support the design of medium to large-scale systems and programs as per the customer requirements.
• Implement approved designs and resolve technical challenges throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with established engineering standards, methodologies, and processes, including system design and requirements definition, equipment specification and product evaluation, link budget analysis and other technical analysis, Acceptance testing and preparation of technical deliverables and documentation.

Project & Program Management

• Lead assigned projects and initiatives to ensure delivery meets specifications, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Coordinate project activities to ensure alignment between technical, commercial, and operational objectives.
• Identify and mitigate technical and programmatic risks throughout project execution.

Customer & Supplier Management

• Manage relationships with customers and suppliers to ensure effective collaboration and successful project delivery.
• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and foster strong supplier engagement.

Operations Handover & Service Continuity

• Ensure smooth transition of completed projects to the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation packages and deliver relevant training sessions as required.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the company’s technology roadmap by supporting the adoption of emerging technologies and the retirement of obsolete systems.
• Recommend improvements to enhance technical performance, efficiency, and scalability.

Leadership & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor and support junior engineers and team members to strengthen technical capabilities and ensure continuity within the department.
• Promote a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Telecommunications equivalent is a must.
• A strong experience in RF systems is required (RF/antenna, modem, link budget, etc..).
• 12-15 years of relevant experience in Satellite/telecoms industry and in similar functions is a must.
• Military Satcom and defense industry experience is required.
• PMP, ITIL, Prince 2 certification or business degree would be considered a plus.

Technical Requirements

• The candidate shall demonstrate expert-level knowledge in satellite communications and operations, including payload and subsystem technologies, RF engineering, satellite network management, ground segment design and deployment, military-grade satellite terminals, and satellite system integration and testing.
• He/She must possess advanced expertise in systems engineering and satellite product development, with proven experience delivering large-scale satellite programs across key lifecycle phases, including detailed design, integration, testing, and transition to Operations & Maintenance (O&M).
• He/She must bring strong capabilities in project and team management, including staff development, budgeting, and risk management, with a demonstrated track record of successfully managing complex projects or major work packages within the SATCOM sector.

Our Benefits & Perks Competitive compensation packages and comprehensive medical insurance to support you and your family.

Wellbeing-focused initiatives and resources designed to enhance your personal and professional life.

Access to exclusive discount programs, offering savings across various lifestyle and leisure experiences across the UAE.

What Makes a Great Fit If you are performance-driven and possess an inquisitive mind with the agility to navigate ambiguity, you will thrive here. At the heart of the Space42 community is a bias for action and a passion for developing innovative, efficient space services through AI-driven smart solutions that drive technological advancements and create a better tomorrow.