Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer

Senior AIT RF Communications Payload Engineer | Space Sector

Harwell or Stevenage | 4 days on-site

A leading organisation within the space sector is seeking a Senior AIT RF Communications Payload Engineer to support the development and delivery of advanced space systems.

Working as part of a growing engineering team, you will play a key role in ensuring products meet stringent quality and reliability requirements throughout the entire development lifecycle. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, and Project teams to drive RF payload integration from initial assembly through to final delivery, helping ensure products can operate reliably in some of the world's most demanding environments.

• Responsible for leading RF payload integration and RF verification activities, including link budget validation and RF chain characterisation
• Conduct functional, performance, and end-to-end payload testing to verify hardware interfaces and redundancy systems
• Support environmental test campaigns including TVAC, vibration, acoustics, EMC/EMI, and shock testing
• Specify, commission, and maintain Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) while producing clear technical specifications and test procedures
• Identify root cause issues during integration, using Python for test automation and data analysis to provide robust solutions
• Present technical data clearly to senior leadership and external customers/agencies (e.g. ESA, UK Space Agency), while proactively mentoring junior engineers across the team

• 5+ years of experience in RF payloads, satellite communications, aerospace, defence, or telecommunications - including leading integration and test campaigns
• Strong understanding of RF communication systems and satellite communication architectures
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators, noise figure analysers, and RF switching systems
• Proficiency using both Linux and Windows environments, alongside Python for automated test scripting and data analysis
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Experience across GEO, MEO, or LEO satellite programmes or spacecraft-level AIT campaigns
• Exposure to Ka-band, Ku-band, or X-band payloads
• Knowledge of digital transparent processors (DTP), regenerative payloads, or software-defined payload architectures
• Experience with active phased array antennas
• Knowledge of or familiarity with space industry standards such as ECSS is advantageous

Compliance:
Please note successful candidates will be required to undergo BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening, including right-to-work, identity, criminal record, and a minimum of 3 years of employment history checks, as part of the onboarding process.