Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer Verified today
About the role
As a Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer, you'll lead the modelling, specification, and validation of antenna and RF payload systems across both satellite payloads and user terminals. You'll translate high-level mission and service requirements into robust, high-performance hardware designs ready for deployment in demanding operational environments.
What you will do
- Lead antenna and RF payload design activities across phased arrays, reflectors, and beamforming systems
- Define and validate electromagnetic simulations to optimise antenna and RF performance
- Support beam steering, coverage optimisation, and spectral compliance across satellite constellations
- Define technical specifications and interface requirements for RF modules and payload subsystems
- Govern frequency planning, signal integrity, and linearity requirements across RF chains
- Perform cascade analysis to optimise gain, noise figure, and overall link performance
- Support radiometric modelling and PFD analysis to ensure regulatory compliance
- Lead prototyping and hardware validation activities including OTA testing and engineering model development
- Define and oversee qualification activities including vibration, TVAC, and radiation testing
- Work closely with system architects, RF engineers, hardware teams, and spectrum specialists to deliver integrated solutions
What you will bring
- Strong understanding of antenna theory and RF system design including phased arrays, reflectors, and beamforming techniques
- Capability in electromagnetic modelling and simulation using tools such as CST, HFSS, ADS, or similar
- Strong knowledge of antenna performance metrics including gain, axial ratio, cross-polarisation, and radiation pattern optimisation
- Understanding of RF front-end architectures including amplifiers, converters, filters, and frequency planning
- Knowledge of signal integrity and linearity considerations including P1dB, OIP3, and spectral purity
- Capability in cascade analysis for gain, noise figure, and G/T optimisation across RF systems
- Understanding of radiometric analysis and Power Flux Density (PFD) modelling for regulatory compliance
- Familiarity with prototyping and RF validation activities including OTA testing and anechoic chamber measurements
- Awareness of environmental qualification processes including vibration, thermal-vacuum (TVAC), and radiation testing
- Knowledge of satellite communication standards and regulatory frameworks including DVB-S2X, 5G NTN, and ITU constraints
- A structured and analytical approach to problem-solving with strong focus on performance, reliability, and manufacturability
Location and how to apply
This role is based in Didcot, GB. You must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. Please submit your CV in English when applying.