At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced RF hardware for next-gen satellite communications.
- Company: Join an innovative engineering team in the exciting field of aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for contract extension, and opportunities for permanent roles.
- Other info: Fully onsite role in Edinburgh with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Work on groundbreaking satellite quantum communications and tackle complex engineering challenges.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in RF/microwave hardware development and strong analytical skills required.
Are you an experienced RF Engineer looking to work on some of the most exciting developments in satellite and space communications?
We are recruiting two Senior Advanced Wireless / RF Engineers to join an innovative engineering team supporting a major international satellite quantum communications programme. Working on QKDSat (Satellite Quantum Programme), you will contribute to the design and development of advanced RF hardware and communication systems supporting secure, next-generation satellite communications. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced RF specialist to take technical ownership of complex engineering challenges and contribute to a highly innovative aerospace and space technology project.
Main Responsibilities:
- Design and develop RF hardware for communication systems operating from UHF through to Ka Band, supporting telemetry, telecommand and datalink applications.
- Design active RF circuits, including Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs), driver amplifiers, mixers, frequency converters, frequency synthesizers and Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs).
- Undertake RF architecture trade-offs, link budget calculations, gain/noise analysis, linearity assessments and dynamic range calculations.
- Develop RF schematics, select components and support PCB layout activities.
- Perform RF simulations using tools such as AWR, ADS, CST, HFSS and MATLAB.
- Conduct RF testing, measurement and troubleshooting using VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes and noise figure analysers.
- Support environmental and qualification testing, including EMI/EMC, thermal vacuum, vibration and shock testing.
- Investigate and resolve RF performance issues throughout development, integration and production.
- Produce technical documentation, including design reports, test procedures, verification reports and design review documentation.
- Support Product Owners and Project Engineers in achieving technical milestones and delivering engineering solutions.
- Participate in customer technical discussions and formal engineering design reviews.
Ideal candidate profile:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years' industrial experience in RF/microwave hardware development.
- Proven experience designing, developing and testing active RF circuits and systems.
- Strong understanding of RF system analysis, including: RF line-up analysis and link budget calculations, linearity, intermodulation, EVM and transmitter performance, noise figure, SNR, BER and receiver sensitivity, phase noise and frequency synthesis.
- Hands-on experience with RF measurements, testing and debugging.
- Experience taking engineering solutions from initial requirements through design and implementation.
- Ability to work independently on complex technical challenges with limited supervision.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Desirable Experience:
- Aerospace, defence or space communication systems, particularly mission-critical RF applications.
- Telemetry, telecommand and satellite communication systems.
- Software Defined Radio (SDR) and digital communication architectures.
- RF system lifecycle management and qualification processes, including EMI/EMC and environmental testing.
- FPGA-based radio architectures and high-speed digital interfaces.
- Formal engineering design reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR and TRR.
- Taking technical ownership of designs from initial development through integration and final delivery.
- Working within multidisciplinary engineering teams and structured product development environments.
Nationality & Eligibility:
Candidates must hold a UK or NATO country passport, AND hold unrestricted right to work in the UK. Vetting will include a right to work check, drug screen, full 5 years' referencing and a DBS check.
If you are interested in applying for this position, and you meet the above requirements, please apply immediately. Due to the number of applications we receive, it's not always possible to contact unsuccessful applicants. Unless you hear from us within 14 days of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Senior Advanced Wireless / RF Engineer - QKDSat in Edinburgh employer: Line Up Aviation
As a Windows Engineer in Stevenage, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional IT services within a supportive and collaborative work environment. The company prioritises employee growth, offering continuous training and development opportunities, while also providing competitive pay and a strong focus on work-life balance. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, this role promises a rewarding career path in a thriving location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Advanced Wireless / RF Engineer - QKDSat in Edinburgh
✨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 Line Up Aviation for a Senior Advanced Wireless / RF Engineer - QKDSat. 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 Advanced Wireless / RF Engineer - QKDSat in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Line Up Aviation, 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 Line Up Aviation, 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 Line Up Aviation
✨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 Line Up Aviation.
✨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 Line Up Aviation. 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 Line Up Aviation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
