Senior Satellite Communications Engineer

Senior Satellite Communications Engineer

Full-Time 75000 £ / year Home office (partial)
Holt Executive

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of spacecraft communications and manage link budgets for advanced satellite missions.
  • Company: Innovative space engineering firm with a collaborative, international team.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and ongoing development.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and regular team events.
  • Why this job: Join cutting-edge satellite programmes and make a real impact in space communications.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electronics or Communications Engineering and strong satellite systems experience.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Satellite Communications Engineer to join a highly innovative space engineering environment, working on advanced satellite missions. This role sits within a multidisciplinary avionics team and will see you take ownership of the communications subsystem, contributing across the full lifecycle from design and analysis through to verification and validation. You will play a key role in delivering robust space-to-ground communications solutions, working closely with systems, integration, and procurement teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and architecture of spacecraft communications subsystems
  • Develop and manage link budgets, including space-to-ground and data downlink analysis
  • Support and review system-level communication performance and requirements
  • Manage the selection, procurement, and supplier oversight of communication hardware (e.g. Tx/Rx units, antennas, GNSS components)
  • Perform multipath and interference analysis, ensuring system robustness
  • Support ITU regulatory compliance and frequency licensing considerations
  • Contribute to ground station selection and interface activities
  • Define and execute unit-level testing, including hardware acceptance and performance validation
  • Develop test procedures and support verification & validation (V&V) activities alongside integration teams
  • Manage work packages, including planning, scheduling, cost estimation, and resource allocation
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Degree (BSc/MSc) in Electronics, Communications Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Strong experience in satellite communications systems design and architecture
  • Proven expertise in link budget creation and analysis
  • Experience modelling and simulating space-to-ground communication links
  • Knowledge of frequency licensing and ITU regulations
  • Hands-on experience with communications hardware and testing
  • Experience developing and executing verification & validation plans for satellite systems
  • Strong stakeholder collaboration skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
  • Eligibility to work in the UK and Europe

Desirable Experience

  • Broader understanding of satellite systems engineering
  • Experience with antenna design and RF propagation
  • Advanced knowledge of link budget optimisation and performance modelling
  • Familiarity with regulatory and licensing processes for space communications

What’s on Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  • Optional compressed working pattern
  • 25 days holiday (increasing with service) + bank holidays
  • Private healthcare and life insurance
  • Relocation support and visa sponsorship (where applicable)
  • Access to modern engineering and laboratory facilities
  • Collaborative, international team environment
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities
  • Regular team and social events

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced communications engineer to take a lead role in cutting-edge satellite programmes, contributing to complex missions in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

Senior Satellite Communications Engineer employer: Holt Executive

Join a pioneering space engineering company that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact advanced satellite missions. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee growth through ongoing learning opportunities, this role provides a unique chance to thrive in a supportive environment while working alongside a talented international team.

Holt Executive

Contact Details:

Holt Executive Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Satellite Communications Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the satellite communications field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with link budgets and system-level communication performance. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in past projects to demonstrate your expertise.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss ITU regulations, frequency licensing, and your hands-on experience with communications hardware. Practising common interview questions can also help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our innovative team!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Satellite Communications Engineer

Satellite Communications Systems Design
Link Budget Creation and Analysis
Space-to-Ground Communication Modelling
Frequency Licensing Knowledge
ITU Regulatory Compliance
Communications Hardware Testing
Verification and Validation Plans Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Satellite Communications Engineer role. Highlight your expertise in satellite communications systems design and any relevant projects you've worked on.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about satellite communications. Share specific examples of your work, especially around link budgets and system-level performance, to show how you can contribute to our innovative team.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with communications hardware and testing. We want to see your knowledge of frequency licensing and ITU regulations, so make sure these are front and centre in your application.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our multidisciplinary avionics team.

How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Executive

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your satellite communications systems design and architecture. Be ready to discuss link budgets and how you've tackled space-to-ground communication challenges in the past. The more specific examples you can provide, the better!

Show Your Team Spirit

This role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, so be prepared to talk about your collaboration skills. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked with systems, integration, or procurement teams to deliver a project. Highlighting your ability to lead and mentor junior engineers will also score you points.

Get Technical

Familiarise yourself with the technical aspects of the job, like frequency licensing and ITU regulations. You might be asked about your hands-on experience with communications hardware, so be ready to discuss any relevant projects or testing you've done. Showing that you can manage work packages effectively will also impress them.

Ask Smart Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the company's current satellite missions or their approach to ground station selection. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry!