Radio Frequency Systems Engineer - Operations Verified today
About the Role
As an RF (Radio Frequency) Systems Engineer - Operations, you will play a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness of launch vehicle TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking & Command) systems and their supporting ground stations.
Working closely with RF, GNC, Flight Software, and Operations teams, you will help define mission TT&C strategies, manage space-to-ground interfaces, and verify that communications systems are fully prepared to support mission success. This is a hands-on, mission-focused role where your work directly contributes to launch readiness and post-flight analysis.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Mission Planning & TT&C Strategy
- Review mission requirements, trajectories, and link analyses to define optimal operational TT&C configurations
- Support development of TT&C plans for non-standard missions
- Collaborate cross-functionally with GNC, Flight Software, and Operations teams to ensure seamless integration
Interface Control & Configuration Management
- Support development and maintenance of space-to-ground Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
- Establish and manage configuration files for key RF hardware and software (modems, transceivers, etc.)
- Ensure accurate alignment between mission requirements and operational configurations
Data Processing & Analysis
- Develop and maintain Python or MATLAB scripts to process and present telemetry data clearly and effectively
- Analyse HITL (Hardware-In-The-Loop) and operational data
- Identify anomalies, raise issues, and track resolution through to closure
Mission Execution & Readiness
- Review integrated systems testing results to verify correct radio system and ground infrastructure operation
- Support ground station checkout and mission preparation activities
- Allocate ground stations based on availability and coverage requirements
- Prepare mission ICDs and coordinate required work orders
- Contribute to vehicle, range, and launch readiness reviews
- Conduct post-flight data analysis and present findings
- Continuously improve processes and procedures
What Success Looks Like
- Take ownership of your systems and deliver results
- Escalate risk appropriately and apply sound engineering judgement
- Communicate clearly and proactively across teams
- Create high-quality technical documentation and presentations
- Contribute positively to a collaborative, mission-driven environment
Essential Skills & Experience
- Bachelor's degree or diploma in Engineering (Electronics, Communications, RF, or equivalent)
- Strong RF fundamentals and ability to perform basic RF analysis
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data processing and analysis
- Experience integrating and testing RF systems and operating RF test equipment (e.g., VNAs, spectrum analysers)
- Experience applying systems engineering best practices and developing documentation (requirements, design documents, test plans)
- Ability to perform under pressure and meet tight mission deadlines
- Strong communication skills and relationship-building capability
Desirable Experience
- Practical experience with radio communications systems
- Understanding of modulation and coding techniques
- Familiarity with system-level RF analysis for spacecraft and ground stations, including link budget analysis
Important Information
For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices: Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offer. You must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). You may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.