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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced RF and microwave hardware for space missions.
- Company: Leading company in the spacecraft industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a team shaping the future of space technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical/RF Engineering or relevant experience; strong RF theory knowledge.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exciting projects and career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
KDC have a requirement for a Microwave/RF Engineer to support one of our customers within the spacecraft industry. The role will be supporting the design, development, analysis, and qualification of advanced RF and microwave hardware for spaceborne platforms, including satellites, payloads, deep-space communication systems, and high-reliability flight hardware. This role requires deep technical expertise in high-frequency engineering, space-grade components, and radiation-aware design practices. The engineer will provide technical leadership across the full product lifecycle; from concept and architecture through design, test, integration, and mission support.
The main technical activities include:
- RF/Microwave System Leadership
- Support the architecture of RF and microwave subsystems for space missions, including transponders, LNAs, HPAs, converters, filters, antennas, and phased-array modules.
- Define RF system-level performance requirements, and payload architecture.
- Contribute to design reviews, provide technical input direction, and mentor junior RF engineers.
- Design & Analysis
- Design radiation‑tolerant and space‑qualified RF circuits and assemblies for operation in extreme environments (temperature, vacuum, radiation).
- Perform advanced electromagnetic simulations (HFSS, CST, ADS, AWR) for components and RF chains.
- Develop RF/microwave models, S‑parameter analysis, noise figure optimization, phase‑noise and linearity evaluation, and thermal/structural interaction analysis.
- Testing & Qualification
- Perform RF testing campaigns for engineering models (EM), qualification models (QM), and flight models (FM).
- Perform space‑specific testing such as thermal‑vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, radiation exposure, and long‑duration reliability testing.
- Use RF laboratory equipment (VNA, spectrum analyser, signal generators, power meters) to validate performance to mission requirements.
- Integration & Manufacturing
- Collaborate with spacecraft systems, mechanical, digital, FPGA/ASIC, mission assurance, and manufacturing teams.
- Support PCB/layout teams on high‑frequency and space‑reliability techniques (controlled impedance, grounding, shielding, multipaction mitigation).
- Support payload integration, end‑to‑end system verification, and anomaly resolution.
- Documentation & Mission Support
- Develop detailed technical documentation including RF test plans, design reports, analyses, and compliance matrices.
- Provide expertise during mission readiness reviews and on‑orbit commissioning.
- Ensure compliance with space industry standards (NASA, ESA, MIL‑STD, ECSS).
Essential skills and experience
- Degree or equivalent in Electrical / RF Engineering or similar, or demonstrable relevant experience in lieu thereof.
- Strong knowledge of RF/microwave theory, S‑parameters, Smith charts, transmission line theory, link analysis, and electromagnetic fundamentals.
- Proficiency with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST, AWR).
- Hands‑on experience with RF lab instruments and measurement techniques.
- Strong understanding of space environment constraints (radiation, thermal cycling, vacuum effects, outgassing, multipaction, charging).
Preferable Skills
- Experience with space‑qualified components (GaN/GaAs LNAs, TWTAs, SSPA/PA MMICs, filters, waveguides).
- Knowledge of Ka‑band, X‑band, S‑band, Ku‑band, Q/V‑band, or optical‑RF hybrid systems.
- Experience with phased‑array payloads, beamforming networks, or digitally steered antennas.
- Familiarity with SATCOM protocols, TT&C systems, or deep‑space communication architectures.
- Experience working with government agencies or prime contractors (NASA, ESA, JPL, DoD, CNES, etc.).
Essential Personal Qualities
- An accomplished engineer with an organised structured approach to problem solving and task completion.
- Capable of working on your own or within a team of engineers, you will be expected to plan and complete your allocated work on time and within budget.
- You will be experienced; enthusiastic; accountable and reliable.
Microwave RF Engineer in Portsmouth employer: KDC Projects
Contact Detail:
KDC Projects Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Microwave RF Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the spacecraft industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your RF/microwave projects, simulations, and any hands-on experience you've had. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with RF simulation tools and space environment constraints. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented Microwave RF Engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Microwave RF Engineer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Microwave RF Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in RF and microwave engineering, especially any work with spaceborne platforms or high-frequency components. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific projects you've worked on that relate to RF design, testing, or analysis. If you've tackled challenges in extreme environments or used simulation tools like HFSS or CST, let us know! This helps us see your hands-on experience.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at KDC Projects
✨Know Your RF Basics
Brush up on your RF and microwave theory, especially S-parameters and transmission line theory. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you have a solid foundation for the role.
✨Familiarise with Simulation Tools
Make sure you're comfortable with RF simulation tools like ADS, HFSS, and CST. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical expertise.
✨Understand Space Environment Challenges
Get a good grasp of the unique challenges posed by the space environment, such as radiation and thermal cycling. Being able to articulate how these factors influence design decisions will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Technical Leadership Questions
Since the role involves mentoring junior engineers and providing technical leadership, think about examples from your past where you've led a project or guided a team. This will showcase your leadership skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
