At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead RF communications for spacecraft, ensuring cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
- Company: Join Expleo, a leader in engineering and digital transformation in the aerospace industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and access to accredited training courses.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace by designing advanced RF communication systems.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field with experience in RF communications.
The predicted salary is between 42840 - 52360 £ per year.
Overview
Expleo is a trusted partner for end-to-end, integrated engineering, quality services, and management consulting for digital transformation.
We help businesses harness technological change to deliver innovations that provide a competitive advantage and improve everyday lives globally.
We are currently recruiting for a RF Communications Architect to support one of our customers in the Aerospace industry.
The RF Communications Architect is responsible for the end-to-end definition, design, procurement, integration, and verification of spacecraft RF communication systems throughout the project lifecycle.
The role leads all RF engineering activities, acts as the primary RF technical authority for the mission, and serves as the key interface with customers, suppliers, and internal engineering teams.
The position supports the development of spacecraft communication capabilities including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), data transmission systems, RF subsystems, antenna systems, RF distribution networks, and associated ground interfaces.
The role reports operationally to the Electrical Systems Lead Architect and works closely with Functional Avionics, Systems Engineering, EMC, Mechanical Design, Procurement, and Quality teams.
Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Lead all spacecraft RF communications activities across various project phases.
- Act as the mission RF focal point for customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Define RF architectures and communication subsystem solutions to meet mission and customer requirements.
- Analyse and allocate system requirements to RF subsystems and equipment.
- Perform and oversee RF system analyses, including link budgets, insertion loss budgets and performance assessments.
- Produce technical documentation, design justifications and analysis reports.
RF Communications System Design
• Define and support procurement of
- TT&C Transponders
- S-Band and X-Band communication equipment
- RF amplifiers
- Modulators and encoders
- Antenna systems
- RF harness, coaxial, waveguide and switching assemblies
- RF filters
- Laser Communication Terminals
- Special mission-specific RF equipment
Supplier and Procurement Management
• Support RF equipment procurement activities, including
- Request for Proposal (RFP) preparation
- Supplier engagement and negotiations
- Tender Evaluation Boards (TEBs)
- Technical evaluations and data pack reviews
- Manage RF equipment contracts through to hardware delivery.
- Coordinate supplier engineering activities and monitor technical progress.
- Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain Quality Management (SCQM) to ensure on-time, on-quality, on-cost delivery.
Project and Systems Engineering Support
- Support System Requirements Reviews (SRR) and Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR).
• Contribute RF inputs to
- Design Descriptions (DD)
- Design, Development & Verification Plans (DDVP)
- Space-to-Ground Interface Control Documents (SGICD)
- EMC/RF Control Plans
- Engineering Interface Control Documents (EICD)
- Participate in project risk and opportunity management activities.
- Define and maintain RF-related Key Interface Data (KIDs).
Integration and Verification
- Support Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities.
- Coordinate verification activities for RF subsystem requirements.
- Support launch campaign activities related to TT&C and data downlink systems.
- Ensure RF subsystem compliance with mission requirements and applicable standards.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree or higher in
- Electronic Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- RF & Microwave Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Physics
- Or a related engineering discipline
Essential skills
- Spacecraft RF communications system design.
- RF and microwave engineering.
- Link budget analysis and RF performance modelling.
- Antenna system design and integration.
- Waveguide, coaxial and RF distribution network design.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) principles.
- Communication subsystem architecture definition.
- Requirements analysis, decomposition and traceability.
- Satellite systems engineering.
- Technical leadership and ownership.
- Supplier and subcontractor management.
- Customer-facing communication.
- Risk and opportunity management.
- Technical documentation and specification writing.
- Design review participation and presentation.
- Cross-functional collaboration across engineering disciplines.
Experience
- Significant experience in RF communications engineering.
- Experience delivering complex aerospace, satellite, defence, or high-reliability communication systems.
- Experience defining RF subsystem architectures and equipment specifications.
- Experience managing suppliers and equipment procurement activities.
- Experience supporting design reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR and verification activities.
- Experience producing technical documentation, requirements specifications and interface documents.
- Experience with ESA or institutional space programmes.
- Experience with S-Band and X-Band communications systems.
- Experience with TT&C and data downlink architectures.
- Experience supporting spacecraft integration, test and launch campaigns.
- Experience with Laser Communication Terminals (LCTs)
- What do I need before I apply
Hybrid working arrangement with attendance at Stevenage site required for programme reviews, customer meetings, supplier engagements, and key project milestones.
Frequency to be agreed with the programme team.
Benefits
- Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges
- We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects
- Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses
- Competitive company benefits
- Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo
• As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to
- Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
- Communicating and promoting vacancies
- Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job
- Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required
- Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people
“We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age”.
We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive
RF Communications Architect in Stevenage employer: Expleo
Expleo is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work environment in Preston where innovation thrives. As an Automotive Systems Engineer, you'll benefit from opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement while working on cutting-edge projects in Electrical and Embedded Systems. The company prioritises ISO26262 compliance and technical leadership, ensuring that you are at the forefront of automotive advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RF Communications Architect in Stevenage
✨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 Expleo for a RF Communications Architect. 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 Communications Architect in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Expleo, 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 Expleo, 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 Expleo
✨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 Expleo.
✨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 Expleo. 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 Expleo love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
