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Ram Rao

Sr. Director, Strategic Initiatives at SES Space & Defense

Ram Rao has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of engineering and technology. Ram is currently serving as the Director of BD Engineering, Technologies, and Solutions at SES Government Solutions since 2022. Prior to this, they worked at Leonardo DRS as the Director of Advanced Engineering Technologies starting in 2019.

Ram's most significant role was at Tetra Tech, where they served as a Technology and Program Management Consultant at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from 2008 to 2019. In this role, they led the technology refreshment of the FAA Terrestrial and Satellite Communication Network for the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Ram was responsible for system engineering, architecture development, and network upgrades for over 50 WAAS sites in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Before Tetra Tech, Ram worked as the Vice President and Director of Wireless Networks and Systems Engineering at WorldSpace from 2005 to 2008. Ram led the development of strategic plans for the design and deployment of wireless repeater networks for digital radio transmission. Their accomplishments include leading the design of 300 repeaters in 125 cities for the Italian network.

Ram has also worked at Hughes, where they held multiple roles. From 2001 to 2005, they served as a Senior Technical Manager, leading the development and delivery of broadband satellite terminals for business enterprises. Ram managed all aspects of product development with lean budgets and strict schedules. From 1998 to 2001, Ram was the Principal Engineer and Head of the Radio Frequency (RF) section at Hughes. Ram led the RF and Intermediate Frequency subsystem teams and successfully developed state-of-the-art modem boards and RF modules for INMARSAT Packet Data System and Regional Broadband Global Access Network.

Earlier in their career, Ram worked at Satellite Technology Management (STM) Wireless as a Systems Engineer from 1997 to 1998. Ram led system engineering tasks for the development of low-cost Multi-Channel Per Carrier (MCPC) from SCPC Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT).

Ram's first industry experience was at the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) as a Senior Program Manager in the Satellite Systems Division from 1989 to 1997. Ram managed the development, integration, testing, production, and service launch of low data rate VSAT terminals. Ram also led the design and development of the INSAT Mobile Satellite System in collaboration with COMSAT Laboratories.

Ram began their career at ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) as a Scientist in the Communication Systems Division from 1984 to 1989. Ram played a significant role in designing and developing RF and IF modules and components for various satellite payloads, including Indian Satellite Series (INSAT) and Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellites.

Overall, Ram Rao's work experience demonstrates their deep expertise in engineering, technology, management, and strategic planning, with extensive experience in the satellite communication industry.

Ram Rao completed their MBA in International Business from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business from 2007 to 2009. Prior to that, they attained a MS & BS degree in Electronics & Telecommunication from Bangalore University, UVCE. Additionally, Ram gained certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) from the Project Management Institute, PMI. Furthermore, they earned a certification as a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) from Rolling Thunder Business Solutions.

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Timeline

  • Sr. Director, Strategic Initiatives

    August, 2022 - present