Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer in London

Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer in London

London Full-Time 48600 - 59400 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead satellite integration and testing activities for groundbreaking space missions.
  • Company: Global leader in the space industry with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on innovative projects.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team and shape the future of space exploration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of space technology and exploration.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 5 years' experience in RF communications.

The predicted salary is between 48600 - 59400 £ per year.

Organisation Overview: Our Client is a global leader operating within the space industry, pioneering innovations across satellite systems, earth observation, space exploration, and infrastructure. With over 55 years of experience and more than 450 successful missions, they are renowned for delivering cutting-edge solutions and pushing technological boundaries. Known for fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking culture, our Client offers an environment that encourages innovation, continuous development, and impactful work that shapes the future of space exploration. Embracing diversity and inclusion, they are committed to attracting talented professionals driven by a passion for science and technology, making them an exciting place to grow your career in the space sector.

Role Summary: Due to strategic growth and ongoing programmes, we are seeking a highly skilled Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer to join our Client's team. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to lead critical satellite integration and testing activities, directly contributing to groundbreaking space missions. You will be instrumental in ensuring payload performance and reliability, supporting complex environmental tests, and developing advanced communication systems. This challenging and rewarding position provides a platform to influence the future of space technology while working alongside some of the industry's most talented engineers.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of AIT engineers to deliver comprehensive integration, testing, and verification campaigns within project timelines and budgets.
  • Oversee the integration and performance testing of satellite payloads, including RF chain characterisation and link budget validation.
  • Manage preparation and execution of environmental qualification tests such as thermal vacuum, vibration, acoustics, EMC/EMI, and shock assessments.
  • Specify, commission, and maintain electrical ground support equipment (EGSE), developing detailed testing scripts, validation procedures, and maintenance plans.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed documentation, including integration procedures, test plans, reports, and verification records.
  • Manage non-conformance reports, oversee review processes, and support project review meetings, including Test Readiness, Post-Test, and Test Review Boards.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering their professional development.

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher qualification in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • At least 5 years' experience specialising in RF payload integration, satellite communications, or related aerospace fields.
  • Proven expertise in RF system testing, including familiarity with vector network analysers, spectrum analysers, signal generators, and RF switching systems.
  • Strong understanding of satellite communication architectures and RF chain design.
  • Competent in both Linux and Windows environments, with proficiency in scripting and automation using Python.
  • Exceptional communication skills, capable of presenting technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated success in steering cross-functional teams without direct authority, showcasing collaborative leadership.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

  • Experience with GEO, MEO, or LEO satellite projects.
  • Knowledge of Ka-band, Ku-band, X-band payloads, and phased array antennas.
  • Familiarity with on-board processing, spacecraft-level AIT campaigns, and software-defined payload architectures.
  • Exposure to active phased array antennas and digital transparent or regenerative payload systems.

Call to Action: If you are a motivated professional eager to contribute to pioneering space missions and possess the relevant expertise, we encourage you to submit your CV for consideration. Join our Client's innovative team and play a vital role in pushing the boundaries of space technology. We look forward to hearing from talented candidates who are passionate about making a difference in the cosmos.

Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer in London employer: IO Associates

Join a leading engineering organisation that values innovation and excellence, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact high-performance solutions in safety-critical environments. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor fellow engineers and shape technical direction while working in an Agile/SAFe environment. Located in the UK, this role provides a unique chance to be part of cutting-edge projects in defence, aerospace, and industrial technology, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.

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Contact Details:

IO Associates Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer in London

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 IO Associates for a Senior AIT RF Communications 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 Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer in London

RF Payload Integration
Satellite Communications
Environmental Testing
Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE)
Testing Scripts Development
Documentation Preparation
Non-Conformance Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at IO Associates, 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 IO Associates, 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 IO Associates

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 IO Associates.

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 IO Associates. 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 IO Associates love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.