RF Payload Engineer

Overview

In this role you design, implement and verify RF payload solutions for SSTL missions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver payload hardware and signal processing solutions. You will perform system-level design, performance analysis and verification through ground tests and in-orbit commissioning. You will guide payload delivery, integration and test, and support bids and program reviews. This is a hands-on role with impact on mission-critical RF systems and space-grade verification.

Responsibilities

• Develop RF payload concepts for SSTL missions in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Perform system-level design and performance analysis of RF payloads (communications, radar, SIGINT)
• Specify payload hardware (transmitters, receivers, antennas) and signal processing approaches
• Define and develop tools for payload design, test and calibration
• Coordinate with SSTL engineering teams and external subcontractors on payload hardware and processing solutions
• Define payload verification strategies including ground environmental testing and in-orbit commissioning
• Manage payload delivery, integration and test within projects
• Serve as work package manager including planning, reporting, budget, schedule and resources
• Assist in bid input for RF payloads and present technical progress to stakeholders

Key requirements

• 5+ years relevant experience
• System engineering for complex, multidisciplinary products or projects
• Requirements analysis and flow-down
• Experience with link budget analysis, RF/digital design, signal processing, antenna design/simulation, test definition/support for development and verification
• Space manufacturing and test experience is advantageous

• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication
• Ownership of solutions while collaborating with experts
• Detail-oriented with focus on project objectives
• Link budget analysis
• RF design
• Digital design

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