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

Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

• 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
• HND/Bachelors degree in Electronics with RF/Microwave electronics
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, able to influence, persuade and negotiate with people at all levels (externally & internally) as well as to assist in reaching compromises when there are conflicting requirements
• High degree of organisation, self-motivation and initiative
• Good team working skills, together with the ability to interface with others at all levels
• Good presentation skills and customer facing skills
• Results orientated with a strong drive to deliver
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
• Pro-active and able to take initiative
• Excellent planning and organising skills
• Highly organised with clear communication skills
• Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of projects
• Able to work autonomously and using own initiative
• Excellent inter-personal skills - both written and oral communications; ability to interface with customers and technical representatives
• Decision making and creative problem solving skills
• Ability to multi-task and deliver both immediate and longer term tasks
• Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to tight timescales
• Good knowledge of MS Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Microsoft Project
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, Communicate effectively, Self-manage effectively, Work as one team

Location

SSTL prides itself on being a super flexible company. The role is based in our Head Office in Guildford but we fully support hybrid working and a range of flexible working options.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes; 32 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme with Life Assurance, Private Medical & International Travel Insurance, Annual Bonus Scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents, High Street Discount Scheme and many more!

Visa Support

SSTL supports applications requiring a UK Skilled Worker Visa and sponsorship is available for this role. Relocation assistance also available.