RF Engineer

Astroscale UK & Europe are seeking a talented and committed RF engineer to help with the design and test of our RF satellite subsystem. The day-to-day activities will include designing link budgets, antenna analysis, data to ground budgets and RF related FDIR to name a few. There will also be involvement in testing with the AIV team including generating RF test procedures. This role requires someone with the experience, knowledge, and confidence to manage the RF subsystem. A successful candidate will have experience of being involved in creating and reviewing RF unit requirements and working with external suppliers to ensure the units meet the project’s specifications.

We also need a great team player as there will be lots of interaction with other teams such as systems, C&DH, procurement and AIV.

Responsibilities 

 

• Producing link budgets.
• Create RF unit requirements for suppliers.
• Create and review supplier documentation for design reviews.
• Perform modelling, simulation and other forms of analysis to predict component, interconnects and system performance and to optimize design around established requirements.
• Performing near field analyses (including field of view and multipath) for various antenna configurations.
• Supporting frequency licensing process.
• Ensure compliance with appropriate standards and regulations.
• Define tests to validate performance of antenna/RF designs.
• Support the business development team with customer engagements and solutions.
• Develop test plans to identify test approach, resources, schedules and cost estimates that meet applicable requirements, standards and regulations.
• Support environmental testing of RF equipment.

Essential Skills

 

• Bachelor or master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Electronics, communications).
• Strong experience in design and development of spacecraft RF subsystems.
• Experience in modelling and simulating RF space-to-ground links.
• Experience in frequency licensing constraints (ITU) for old and new space applications.
• Be eligible and registered to work within the UK and Europe.
• Experience of RF circuits, RF systems design, and test, including environmental testing.
• Experience in working RF unit suppliers and supporting review

Desirable skills

• Good knowledge of satellite communications systems design.
• Good knowledge of other satellite subsystems
• Experience of antenna design and propagation.
• Detailed understanding of communications link budget analysis and design.
• Familiarity with ITU regulations and licensing processes.
• Familiarity of working with ESA or UKSA.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Opportunity to work with a highly talented, diverse & dynamic international team with cutting edge technology
• Flexible working around core hours in a friendly and supportive environment
• Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements)
• 25 days holiday (increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) + 8 days Bank Holiday
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit)
• Relocation allowance
• Visa sponsorship for employees considered
• New state of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events 

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell), with potential for some travel to Astroscale Japan (Tokyo)

About Astroscale

We aim to deliver cutting edge technologies that will become part of routine commercial space operations by 2030.

Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the only company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, we are developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of in-orbit servicing missions, including End of Life services, Active Debris Removal, In-situ Space Situational Awareness and Life Extension Services, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate against the hazardous build-up of debris in space.

Astroscale is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale operates a preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency approaches. Please do not forward candidate CVs or details in response to this advert, or to any Astroscale employee.