RF & Communications Engineer

Expleo is a leading Global Engineering Services Provider with UK presence in 10 locations.  We are seeking an RF & Communications Engineer to implement designs that enable reliable communication between the Ground and the spacecraft in orbit, as well as inter-satellite communication.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the robust spacecraft communication platform concerning electrical and RF aspects to support Functional Avionics (FA).  He/she will support the definition and procurement of various System Components, also known as "Equipment," including:

• TM&TC Transponders
• Data Transmission systems, which encompass:
  • Modulators
  • RF Amplifiers
  • Antennas
  • RF-Harness, including fibre, coax, waveguide, switching, and filter assemblies
  • Laser Communication Terminals
  • Other equipment as required, such as special receivers (S&R, etc.)

The role necessitates RF engineering skills as a minimum requirement.  Responsibility is for defining the aforementioned items in alignment with mission requirements and applicable standards. These components will be maintained throughout the project lifecycle and delivered to the project.  This duty entails closely monitoring equipment suppliers, collaborating with other disciplines (FA, Digital Engineering, EMC, IF), and engaging with the customer.

We are looking for energetic and driven engineers with broad expertise, however of particular interest would be candidates with (in order of priority) space, aerospace or military experience.

This role represents a great opportunity to work on cutting edge satellite programmes.  Valued attributes are a team player who can use their initiative and has a real passion for engineering with an attention to detail, combined with a thorough, methodical approach to problem solving.

• Take central responsibility for the work package “RF Engineering” and oversee the delivery of related items (hardware, models, firmware, documentation) in space programs from concept, preliminary design, through detailed definition, manufacturing, verification, and in‑service support
• Act as the primary point of contact for all RF subjects with the customer, suppliers, and the project team
• Provide support to the definition of the communication subsystem in collaboration with the entire team and particularly Functional Avionics (FA), including:
  • Analysis of customer and mission requirements
  • Cascade of requirements to functional chains and subsystems
  • Definition of functional and electrical RF Communications architectures
  • Analysis of system performance and coordination of supporting work packages
  • Analysis of RF/optical links or optical sensors performance and coordination of supporting work packages
• Define RF Communications subsystem components such as:
  • Laser Communication Terminals (LCT)
  • TT&C Transponders
  • Modulators, encoders, etc.
  • RF amplifiers
  • RF harness and waveguide assemblies, RF filters, etc.
  • Antenna assemblies
  • Special RF items as needed, e.g., S&R equipment
• Manage suppliers, including:
  • Co-engineering with suppliers
  • Coordination of relevant design and Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, and Test (MAIT) activities at the supplier level
  • Support for the supply management team to ensure On Time, On Quality, On Cost (OTOQOC) deliveries of procured items
  • Support for quality assurance regarding deliveries of the RF Communications items
• Support system/satellite-level activities, including:
  • Providing inputs to Systems engineering management for RF Communications items (Design descriptions, inputs to the Engineering Interface Control Document (EICD), etc.)
  • Supporting relevant operations and Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) activities at the system level
  • Supporting the launch campaign for the purposes of Data downlink and TT&C
• Contribute to related internal/external Research and Development (R&D) and initiatives for improvements/standardization.

• Master's degree in electrical engineering or a comparable field such as physics or technical informatics with a focus on RF and communications.
• Where applicable suitable experience in addition to a lower qualification would be acceptable

• Extensive hardware/software design experience for RF applications
• Stability, ability to work under pressure, international mindset, and a team player

• Project management skills
• Hands-on experience in satellite communications
• Extensive experience in early studies and Research and Development (R&D)

• Engineering while adhering to On Time, On Quality, On Cost (OTOQOC) principles

• Ability and willingness to travel to and work on the clients Stevenage site 5 days per week

• Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges  
• We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects   
• Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses  
• Competitive company benefits
• Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo 

• As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to:
• Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
• Communicating and promoting vacancies
• Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job
• Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required
• Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people

“We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age”. 

We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive