RF Systems Communications Engineer

We are seeking an RF System Communications Engineer to lead the development and delivery of RF Communications products within a complex Aerospace programme. This person shall be responsible for product performance, supplier management, cost, schedule, risk, quality, and successful delivery throughout the product lifecycle.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead RF Communications product development from design through qualification and delivery.

• Manage product cost, schedule, quality, risk, and technical performance.

• Act as the primary interface between engineering teams, programme stakeholders, and suppliers.

• Lead technical reviews, product governance, and development milestones.

• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, system requirements, and engineering standards.

• Review and approve technical documentation, specifications, verification plans, and test results.

• Perform and oversee RF analyses including link budgets, data volume assessments, and communications performance analysis.

• Manage supplier performance, contracts, change requests, and delivery schedules.

• Lead non-conformance, quality, and product assurance activities.

• Support production, integration, testing, and acceptance activities.

• Prepare and deliver documentation packages for major programme reviews.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Strong understanding of RF communications systems and spacecraft communications architectures.

• Experience with RF equipment, antennas, communications payloads, and associated subsystem hardware.

• Knowledge of:

  • Link budget analysis
  • RF performance analysis
  • Communications subsystem design
  • Verification and validation processes

• System engineering methodologies

• Ability to review and approve technical specifications, interface documents, and verification plans.

• Familiarity with qualification, environmental testing, and production readiness reviews.

• Programme & Product Management Skills:

  • Product ownership and lifecycle management experience.
  • Risk and opportunity management.
  • Schedule and cost management.
  • Supplier management and performance monitoring.
  • Change control and configuration management.

• Soft Skills:

  • Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
  • Effective communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
  • Capability to work within complex, multidisciplinary engineering environments.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Experience with spacecraft or satellite communications subsystems.

• Knowledge of antenna systems and RF equipment development.

• Experience working within highly regulated engineering programmes.

• Understanding of manufacturing, integration, and test activities.

• Familiarity with APQP processes and development assurance standards.

• Experience supporting system-level design reviews and customer data package submissions.

With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions.

SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.

Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.

True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.

Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.

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