At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver cutting-edge RF payload integration and testing for space missions.
- Company: Join MDA Space, a pioneer in satellite systems and space exploration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private healthcare, and a hybrid work model.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dream team pushing boundaries in space technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in RF payloads and satellite communications; engineering degree required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
- Harwell - Didcot Didcot, OXF OX110GD, GBR
- Description
Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry.
A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure.
The global MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one.
For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.
For more information, visit www. mda. space .
- We’re on the hunt for a
- Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer at our
Harwell office (Stevenage option) .
MDA Space’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country.
Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European-based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space-based communication technology.
As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of multiskilled AIT engineers to deliver a full AIT campaign, on time, quality and cost
- Perform integration activities of the Payload
- Perform RF Payload Verification & Testing including functional testing, performance verification, end-to-end payload testing, link budget validation, RF chain characterisation, redundancy testing and interface verification.
- Prepare for and support environmental qualification and acceptance test campaigns including Thermal vacuum, vibration, acoustics, EMC/EMI and Shock.
- Specify, commission, validate and maintain electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) including writing specs, commission and validation procedures, maintenance plans and developing scripts and monitoring tools.
- Create configure and maintain AIT documentation including integration procedures, test procedures, test reports, verification reports, data packs, and configuration control documents for the flight HW.
- Raise, manage and support non-conformances in the review process.
- Provide inputs to project reviews, Test Readiness Reviews, Post Test Review & Test Review Boards
- Develop and guide junior engineers from a technical prospective.
Experience in the space industry, phased array antennas and on-board processing technology is also desirable.
Suitable candidates will ideally have the following attributes
- Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- 5+ years of RF payload, satellite communications, aerospace, defence, or telecommunications experience including leading integration and test campaigns.
- Strong understanding of RF communication systems and satellite communication architectures
- Hands on experience with RF test equipment including VNA’s, spectrum analysers, signal generators, noise figure analysers and RF switching systems.
- Ability to use both Linux and Windows operating system and Python for scripting automated test scrips and data analysis
- Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present technical data clearly to senior leadership and external customers (ESA, UK‑Space Agency).
- Proven ability to influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
- Collabrative team player with the drive to help junior engineers to develop
- GEO, MEO, or LEO satellite programmes.
- Ka-band, Ku-band, X-band payloads.
- Digital transparent processors and regenerative payloads.
- Active phased array antennas.
- Software-defined payload architectures.
- Spacecraft-level AIT campaigns.
We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #Team MDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth.
If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.
We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA Space welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it.
An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA Space’s leadership in this next golden age.
Comments/Special Considerations
We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:
- Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status
- Identity: Full ID check
- Criminal records: Basic Disclosure
- Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity
- Reference checks
Benefits statement
- Competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations.
- private healthcare
- disability income protection
- life insurance
- pension plan
- an employee assistance program
- Hybrid work model
Equal opportunity statement
MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion.
We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity.
If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.
Accommodations
MDA Space is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process.
Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.
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Senior AIT RF Comms Payload Engineer employer: MDA
MDA Space is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Harwell office, where innovation meets collaboration. We prioritise employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, while our commitment to quality and excellence ensures that you will be part of a team that values your contributions. Join us to work on cutting-edge technology in the aerospace sector, where your expertise will directly impact the future of space exploration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior AIT RF Comms Payload Engineer
✨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 MDA for a Senior AIT RF Comms Payload 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 Comms Payload Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at MDA, 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 MDA, 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 MDA
✨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 MDA.
✨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 MDA. 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 MDA love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
