Hughes · 7 hours ago
Sr. Director, Aviation Regulatory Engineering
Hughes is part of EchoStar, a company reimagining the future of connectivity with a diverse range of services. The Sr. Director, Aviation Regulatory Engineering will lead global efforts to secure regulatory approvals and compliance clearances for inflight connectivity solutions, requiring deep expertise in satellite licensing and aviation equipment certification.
Consumer ElectronicsDigital MediaElectronicsInformation TechnologyInternetTelecommunications
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a comprehensive global market access strategy for LEO and GEO satellite-based inflight connectivity services
Secure required regulatory authorizations, spectrum licenses, and satellite landing rights across multiple jurisdictions
Lead engagement with international regulatory and standards bodies (FCC, ISED, ITU, CEPT, WRC) to shape policy and safeguard operational interests
Oversee entity and branch formation in key markets to ensure compliance with foreign ownership, spectrum access, and operational requirements
Direct cross-functional teams—engineering, legal, and operations—to obtain hardware and equipment certifications for airborne terminals, antennas, and modems
Negotiate agreements with network operators and government agencies for terrestrial backhaul and network integration
Ensure compliance with international security frameworks (e.g., CALEA, GDPR) and jurisdiction-specific lawful intercept and data retention rules
Manage regulatory due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to ensure service continuity and mitigate legal risk
Lead budget planning, external counsel oversight, and internal team development within the Market Access function
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or related technical field
20+ years of leadership in telecommunications, satellite communications, or aviation connectivity, with direct experience in LEO and GEO satellite systems
Proven track record of securing global regulatory approvals for inflight connectivity or similar services
Deep knowledge of spectrum management, frequency coordination, and satellite licensing processes
Direct experience with aviation equipment certification processes and compliance standards
Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence policy and manage stakeholder relationships at the highest levels
Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to operate in complex multi-jurisdictional environments
Preferred
Advanced degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field
Established relationships with global regulatory authorities, standards bodies, and aviation industry associations
Experience leading regulatory functions in support of large-scale M&A transactions
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess regulatory risk and drive innovative compliance solutions
Benefits
Flexible spending accounts
HSA
A 401(k) Plan with company match
ESPP
Career opportunities
A flexible time away plan
Company
Hughes
Hughes provides private and government organizations with broadband satellite services, products, and managed network solutions.
H1B Sponsorship
Hughes has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2011-02-14Acquired
2003-04-09Undisclosed
Leadership Team
Recent News
2025-12-18
2025-10-26
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