At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop advanced RF systems for tracking antennas and user terminals.
- Company: Join Satraka, a pioneering tech company at the UK's Space Cluster.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, holiday, pension contributions, and fast career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with access to world-class facilities and expertise.
- Why this job: Work with cutting-edge technology and make a real impact in global connectivity.
- Qualifications: Degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, or related field; strong RF knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 £ per year.
Satraka is on a mission to connect the unconnected and serve the underserved with its innovative, cutting-edge tracking- and multi-beam antenna technology, providing broadband internet connections anywhere, anytime via 4G/5G-based terrestrial network (TN) and satellite-based non-terrestrial network (NTN).
Antenna is an exciting and challenging subject right at the core of all wireless telecommunication systems.
This is particularly true in nascent, yet fast-growing high-data-rate broadband internet services, where both antenna performance, reliability and costs are put to the test.
Based at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus - the UK's Space Cluster, Satraka enjoys a highly dynamic and exciting environment and access to a range of world-class facilities & expertise such as RAL Space, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Satellite Applications Catapult.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated RF Antenna System Engineerto join our dynamic engineering team.
In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, and testing of RF systems for a range ofadvanced tracking antennas.
This includes design and hands-on work on various type of antennas, feed systems, filters, front-end components such aslow noise blocks (LNBs) and block upconverters (BUCs), software defined radios, modems as well as related subjects such as link budget and radio wave propagations.
You will collaborate with cross-functional teams across RF, embedded systems, mechanical, software coding and business development to deliver robust, optimized, and reliable user terminals and tracking antenna solutions.
Main Duties
- Define system-level and sub-system-level requirements; perform performance analyses including link budgets, G/T, and EIRP
- Define and qualify system components and interfaces, including telecom 4G/5G radios, satellite LNAs, and BUCs
- Integrate and test RF systems within tracking antennas and user terminals
- Optimize system-level Input/Output performance (IOPs) for real-time data communication and control
- Collaborate with hardware and software teams to ensure overall system performance, reliability, and integration
- Conduct lab and field testing of RF and embedded systems using RF test equipment (e. g., VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators)
- Work closely with antenna and mechanical engineering teams to develop solutions for network acquisition, tracking, antenna control, and multi-network management
- Lead the full product development lifecycle: from system requirements and software architecture to embedded system design, integration, testing, optimization, and delivery
- Prepare detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, performance analysis, integration procedures, and test reports
- Support Business Development with technical expertise during proposal preparation and customer engagements
- Interpret and negotiate technical requirements with customers; define feasible solutions and perform trade-off analyses
- Manage work schedules, resources, and technical risks to ensure high-quality, on-time, and on-budget delivery
- Coordinate closely with Project Managers to ensure successful project completion
Skills and Experience
- Degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- Strong knowledge of RF, radio, and communication systems
- Hands-on experience designing RF systems with LNAs, BUCs, filters, and duplexers
- Proficient in link budget calculations and system performance analysis (G/T, EIRP, SNR, etc.)
- Practical experience with satellite systems, 4G/5G radios, tracking antennas, and network integration
- Proficient with RF simulation tools such as CST, HFSS
- Familiar with EMC/EMI compliance and relevant regulatory standards
- Understanding of Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms like GNU Radio or USRP
- Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques for modulation, filtering, and encoding
- Experinces in phased array and electronically steered antenna (ESA) systems
- Skilled in full product lifecycle development from requirements to integration, testing, and delivery
- Confident in system-level debugging and root cause analysis across hardware and software
- Able to write clear technical documentation and explain complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Strong problem-solving skills focused on practical, innovative solutions
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Personal Attributes
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Self-motivated and driven to meet objectives
- Effective team player; able to work independently or collaboratively as required
- Able to work within defined timescales and meet programme milestones
- Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Passionate about technical challenges, problem solving, and practical innovation
- Willing to learn, share knowledge, and go the extra mile for the team
- Builds effective working relationships at all levels
- Excellent at planning and organising workload across projects to meet deadlines
- Quality-focused with strong attention to detail
- Work with cutting-edge technology and innovation-driven projects
- Competitive salary, holiday and pension contribution
- Opportunities for fast career advancement and professional progression
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RF Antenna System Engineer in Harwell employer: Satraka Ltd
Satraka Ltd is an exceptional employer located at the innovative Harwell Campus, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the field of satellite technology. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and pension contributions, alongside ample opportunities for rapid career progression in a cutting-edge environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of embedded software solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RF Antenna System Engineer in Harwell
✨Get Chummy with Industry Events
Dive into telecommunications networking conferences and expos. These are golden opportunities to meet potential employers like Satraka Ltd and learn about open positions directly from their teams. Keep an eye out for workshops or panels – they’re perfect for showcasing your passion and expertise!
✨Join Networking Communities
Find online forums or local meetups that focus on telecommunications and networking. Sites like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit communities can be great for connecting with professionals in the field. Just remember to participate in discussions – you never know when someone might mention job openings at places like Satraka Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Skills with Personal Projects
If you’ve got any personal projects or contributions to open-source networking tools, flaunt them! Create a portfolio that showcases your skills relevant to what telecommunication companies are looking for. It’s a great conversation starter during interviews and networking chats.
✨Utilise Online Job Boards Wisely
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We think you need these skills to ace RF Antenna System Engineer in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:When you're applying for a role in telecommunications and networking, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Mention specific technologies you're proficient in, like IP networking, VoIP, or security protocols. Be sure your CV includes any relevant certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+; they really show you've got the chops for the job.
Tailor Your Experience to Match Networking Projects:In your CV and cover letter, don’t just list your past jobs—showcase specific projects that align with the role! If you've worked on network design, implementation, or troubleshooting, weave those experiences in and highlight metrics to demonstrate your impact. This paints a vivid picture of how you'd fit into the role at Satraka Ltd.
Show Enthusiasm for the Industry:With telecommunications evolving rapidly, it’s important to express your passion for the field in your application. Mention any trends or innovations you've been following that excite you and how they'd influence your work. This can really set you apart and show that you're not just after a job, but a career!
Keep It Clean and Professional:While it’s important to be personable, ensure your application maintains a clean and structured format. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for hiring managers to dig into your skills and experience. Remember, you’re applying for a full-time role, so a well-organised application will signal your seriousness about the position at Satraka Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Satraka Ltd
✨Brush Up on Networking Protocols
Make sure you’re up to speed with the key networking protocols like TCP/IP, UDP, and perhaps even MPLS if it's relevant. We can expect technical questions about how these protocols function and the problems they solve, so a solid understanding will help you shine.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Got a portfolio? Bring it along! Highlight any relevant projects where you've designed or managed network systems. This is your chance to demonstrate practical experience; employers love to see how your skills can be applied in real-world scenarios.
✨Get Comfortable with Technical Scenarios
You might be faced with a case study or a technical troubleshooting scenario during the interview. Practise responding to common networking issues—like packet loss or latency problems. Thinking through these scenarios will help us sound confident and competent in our responses.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration Skills
In the telecommunications field, teamwork is key! Make sure to share examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively, whether in past jobs or projects at uni. Employers want to see that you’re not just technically savvy, but also great at working within a team setting.
