Senior RF Engineer – Spaceborne RF Systems Lead in Glasgow

Spire Global is a space-powered data and analytics platform that offers unique insights and powerful solutions about Earth. Leveraging its proprietary multi-purpose satellite constellation and sophisticated predictive analytics, Spire gives commercial and government organisations an unprecedented competitive advantage to solve their toughest challenges, empowered with knowledge from space. Spire Global is currently embarking on projects that range from the design of advanced satellite communication and navigation systems to RF monitoring constellations.

As part of the development of next-generation proprietary communication system, we are seeking a Senior RF Engineer with expertise in RF systems design, RF transceiver, low noise and power amplifier design, antenna arrays, and a solid background in space-based communications, navigation or RF monitoring systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in high-frequency, high-power RF systems, ultra-sensitive receiver systems, with strong simulation and analytical skills. The candidate will work on designing, analysing, and optimising advanced RF subsystems for satellite and aerospace applications. The candidate should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be able to navigate in a fast-changing dynamic and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute proactively to the design and development of RF subsystems for our next generation of satellite communication, navigation or RF monitoring systems.
• Component selection and circuit level design using PCB software (Altium preferred), along with simulation (CST, ADS preferred) where required; including transceivers for UHF, S-, X- and Ka-bands.
• Management of RF modules through production & test.
• RF module test and fault-find at bench level, environmental level (EMC and thermal vacuum testing) and spacecraft level.
• Lead RF testing, validation, and space qualification efforts for new and existing systems.
• Develop test plans, and operational procedures.
• Provide technical consultancy support to software engineering, payloads, satellite operations, and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications/Experience

• BSc, MSc or Ph.D. degree in Telecommunications, Microwave or RF Electronics Engineering.
• 5+ years of working experience on design, development and testing of RF systems.
• Hands-on RF simulation, design and manufacturing experience and fault-finding during test.
• PCB schematic capture and layout for RF circuits.
• Experience with laboratory or field RF testing with relevant technical equipment such as Network Analyzer, Signal Analyzer and Signal Generator.
• Measuring performance of passive and active circuits to provide data that backs up system requirements, including phase noise, compression points, associated chain losses and signal analysis.
• Tuning of RF circuits to achieve optimal performance.
• Proficient in simulation tools (ADS, CST, HFSS, MATLAB).
• Proven track record of promoting cooperation and teamwork.
• Demonstration of problem-solving skills and solution-oriented approaches when dealing with challenges.
• Flexibility to shifting priorities and operational requirements.
• Attention to detail, highly organised with clear communication skills.
• Proficiency in scripting languages and testing tools (Python preferred).

Desired skills

• Strong background in high-frequency RF systems (e.g., Ku-band, Ka-band).
• End-to-end RF system analysis, simulation, and optimisation.
• Knowledge of frequency spectrum management.
• Knowledge of state-of-the-art RF analog and high-speed digital signal processing techniques and technologies using Xilinx/AMD MPSoC/RFSoC.
• Passive and active antenna design, and antenna measurement techniques.
• Experience of power supply design and EMI mitigation techniques.
• Experience of digital circuit design including microcontroller, FPGA and high-speed transceivers.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office. Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying.

Global Perks

• Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP).
• Launch Attendance.
• Generous Time Off Policy.
• Education Assistance Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
• Family Leave.
• Fitness Reimbursement.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Healthy snacks & beverages in every office.

Spire is a global company committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. All candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.