At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise RF systems for exciting space missions.
- Company: Join a leading engineering team in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, flexible working, and a vibrant social atmosphere.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects that shape the future of space technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in RF systems and a degree in Engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Seeking an experienced RF Engineer to join our team in London for an advanced engineering team supporting a cutting‑edge space mission. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in high‑complexity environments and wants to contribute to the development of next‑generation orbital technologies.
Location: London
On Site: 1‑2X a month
Experience Level: Mid‑Senior
Key Responsibilities:
- RF system design for spaceborne platforms, including link budgets, antenna performance, and end‑to‑end signal integrity.
- Development and optimisation of RF subsystems such as transceivers, amplifiers, filters, and telemetry systems.
- Testing and validation of RF hardware in lab and simulated space environments.
- Supporting EMC/EMI analysis and ensuring compliance with mission‑level requirements.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across systems engineering, avionics, and mission operations.
Qualifications Required Skills:
- Mandatory Space industry experience – hands‑on involvement in satellite, spacecraft, or space‑mission RF systems.
- RF hardware development including transceivers, amplifiers, filters, and telemetry systems.
- RF testing & validation using lab equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analysers, and signal generators.
- Ability to interpret mission‑level RF requirements and translate them into subsystem specifications.
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
- EMC/EMI analysis for spacecraft RF systems.
- Experience with SDRs, modulation schemes, and digital signal processing.
- Knowledge of TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking & Command) architectures.
- Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal‑vacuum, vibration, radiation).
- Experience collaborating with systems engineering teams on spacecraft integration.
- Understanding of orbital mechanics and how they influence RF link performance.
- Exposure to cleanroom or high‑reliability hardware development environments.
Benefits:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme.
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings.
- Flexible way of working (role dependent).
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.
RF Engineer employer: ALTEN
Join our innovative team in London as an RF Engineer, where you'll be at the forefront of developing next-generation orbital technologies for cutting-edge space missions. We offer a dynamic work culture that promotes collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, alongside a personalised career path and diverse engineering projects. Enjoy benefits such as private medical insurance, life insurance, and a flexible working environment, all while contributing to meaningful advancements in the space industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RF Engineer
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with ALTEN for a RF Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace RF Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ALTEN, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At ALTEN, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with ALTEN.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with ALTEN. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like ALTEN love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.