RF Engineer

An exciting opportunity to make a difference and deliver highly innovative RF solutions for spacecraft missions. This role has responsibility for undertaking the design, analysis, development, verification and delivery into the mission of RF communication systems; including but not limited to transmitters, receivers, antennas and associated test hardware.

Engineers at SSTL have involvement on a mission right from concept through to launch, commissioning and operational life; a true cradle to grave experience and will give you the chance to see your work in Space in a rapid timescale! This key role will often sit within the core team of a satellite mission interacting with other technical leads across multiple disciplines to generate the technical solutions for innovative projects.

Key Tasks

• Primary role will be the production and test of RF communication systems working within the SSTL matrix structure - Typical duties include:

• Evaluation of mission requirements and verification planning

• RF system design and trade offs

• Performance assessment through RF link budget analysis

• Budget and schedule responsibility for RF system production

• Component selection and circuit level design and simulation where required

• Management of RF modules through production & test, either internally or via technical support to subcontracts

• RF module test and fault-find at bench level, environmental level (EMC and thermal vacuum testing) and spacecraft level

• Management of test engineers performing RF module test activities

• Authoring of technical documents (including assembly & test procedures, reports and technical descriptions)

• Regular reporting to mission Project Manager regarding budget and schedule changes and management of active risks still open on the RF system

• Teaching technology transfer students about RF design solutions for space missions

• Managing engineering updates to heritage designs

• Interaction with customers and presentations at milestone reviews

• In addition to the primary role, other responsibilities could include:

• Development of RF circuits for future missions

• Providing input into bids for future contracts

• Assisting GNSS engineers in delivery and test of GNSS products

Previous Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience in RF/Microwave electronics discipline is required, experience in space industry would be very advantageous.
• Hands-on design and manufacturing experience and fault-finding during test is essential experience.
• Presentation and discussion of technical material to/with a technical audience is essential.
• Experience in theory/design/test up to 30GHz would be an advantage.

• Experience in the following areas would also be highly advantageous; Amplifier design, Antenna design, Software Radio design, EMC, EM simulations, RF test equipment, system modelling, satellite systems.
• Good understanding of RF communications systems
• Knowledge of RF/Microwave software and simulation tools advantageous