At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and validation of advanced antenna and RF payload systems for satellite communications.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible for global challenges.
- Benefits: Work in a diverse team with opportunities for growth and innovation in space technology.
- Other info: Flexible work locations and a supportive environment await you.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of space tech, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong background in antenna theory, RF system design, and electromagnetic modelling required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before. The Satcom team is responsible for the design, delivery and performance of Open Cosmos’ satellite communications services, spanning the space segment, ground infrastructure and global connectivity. We now require a Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer to join the team.
As a Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer, you’ll lead the modelling, specification, and validation of antenna and RF payload systems across both satellite payloads and user terminals. You’ll play a key role in translating high-level mission and service requirements into robust, high-performance hardware designs ready for deployment in demanding operational environments.
You will:
- Lead antenna and RF payload design activities across phased arrays, reflectors, and beamforming systems
- Define and validate electromagnetic simulations to optimise antenna and RF performance
- Support beam steering, coverage optimisation, and spectral compliance across satellite constellations
- Define technical specifications and interface requirements for RF modules and payload subsystems
- Govern frequency planning, signal integrity, and linearity requirements across RF chains
- Perform cascade analysis to optimise gain, noise figure, and overall link performance
- Support radiometric modelling and PFD analysis to ensure regulatory compliance
- Lead prototyping and hardware validation activities including OTA testing and engineering model development
- Define and oversee qualification activities including vibration, TVAC, and radiation testing
- Work closely with system architects, RF engineers, hardware teams, and spectrum specialists to deliver integrated solutions
What You’ll bring:
- Strong understanding of antenna theory and RF system design including phased arrays, reflectors, and beamforming techniques
- Capability in electromagnetic modelling and simulation using tools such as CST, HFSS, ADS, or similar
- Strong knowledge of antenna performance metrics including gain, axial ratio, cross-polarisation, and radiation pattern optimisation
- Understanding of RF front-end architectures including amplifiers, converters, filters, and frequency planning
- Knowledge of signal integrity and linearity considerations including P1dB, OIP3, and spectral purity
- Capability in cascade analysis for gain, noise figure, and G/T optimisation across RF systems
- Understanding of radiometric analysis and Power Flux Density (PFD) modelling for regulatory compliance
- Familiarity with prototyping and RF validation activities including OTA testing and anechoic chamber measurements
- Awareness of environmental qualification processes including vibration, thermal-vacuum (TVAC), and radiation testing
- Knowledge of satellite communication standards and regulatory frameworks including DVB-S2X, 5G NTN, and ITU constraints
- A structured and analytical approach to problem-solving with strong focus on performance, reliability, and manufacturability
This role will be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. When applying, please submit your CV in English.
Why Open Cosmos?
- Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe
- A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges
- A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team
Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer employer: Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos is an exceptional employer, offering the chance to work at the forefront of space technology while contributing to meaningful global challenges. With a diverse and ambitious team, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly evolving industry. Join us to be part of a mission-driven company that makes space accessible and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the satellite communications field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects related to antenna and RF payload systems. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors, focusing on technical questions related to RF system design and antenna theory. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining Open Cosmos and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer role. Highlight your experience with antenna theory, RF system design, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that showcase your understanding of electromagnetic modelling, cascade analysis, and RF validation activities. This helps us see your practical experience in action.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all the necessary documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos
✨Know Your Antenna Theory
Brush up on your understanding of antenna theory and RF system design, especially around phased arrays and beamforming techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past projects, as it shows you can translate high-level requirements into practical designs.
✨Master the Tools
Familiarise yourself with electromagnetic modelling and simulation tools like CST or HFSS. During the interview, mention specific projects where you used these tools to optimise antenna performance, demonstrating your hands-on experience and technical prowess.
✨Understand Regulatory Compliance
Make sure you know the ins and outs of satellite communication standards and regulatory frameworks such as DVB-S2X and ITU constraints. Being able to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles will set you apart as a candidate who understands the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your structured and analytical approach to problem-solving. Discuss specific challenges you've faced in RF payload design and how you overcame them, focusing on performance, reliability, and manufacturability to align with what Open Cosmos values.
