RF Systems Engineer - SatCom

Myticas Consulting; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm located in Ontario, Canada, seeks a subject-matter expert in satellite-based RF communications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with DVB-S2, DVB-S2X, and DVB-RCS2 standards and strong technical mastery in RF engineering. Responsibilities include evaluating link budgets, developing specifications, and providing mentorship. A master's degree in Electrical Engineering and 10+ years of experience in digital communication systems are required. Competitive salary range of $115,000-$145,000 is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in RF communications.
• Experience with DVB-S2, DVB-S2X, and DVB-RCS2 standards.
• Strong background in digital communications and modulation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate link budgets and conduct system-level trade studies.
• Collaborate with engineers to optimize system performance.
• Develop technical specifications for RF links and antenna subsystems.

Skills

Satellite-based RF communications

Adaptive Coding and Modulation

Digital communication systems

Antenna performance modelling

Python

MATLAB

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

In this role, the successful candidate will function as a subject‑matter expert in satellite‑based RF communications, with deep technical mastery at the physical and Layer 2 levels and a solid working knowledge of Layer 3 protocols and above. The position involves hands‑on engagement with DVB‑S2, DVB‑S2X, and DVB‑RCS2 standards, alongside a strong theoretical foundation in RF and communications systems. Experience with Adaptive Coding and Modulation, phased‑array antenna concepts, digital beam forming, rapid beam hopping, and overall antenna performance modelling is essential. The individual will operate within a structured Systems Engineering framework, leveraging established processes and artifacts to guide projects from requirements definition through design, implementation, and verification.

Core Responsibilities

• Evaluate and refine link budgets, conduct system‑level trade studies, and model signal degradation factors to accurately simulate and assess communications system performance.
• Collaborate with system architects, RF and antenna specialists, and ground station engineers to allocate functions between hardware and software components while optimizing overall system efficiency and performance.
• Develop high‑level technical specifications for RF links, antenna subsystems, and related components, while responding to evolving requirement changes. Prepare, review, and validate test plans, procedures, and outcomes to ensure adherence to defined specifications.
• Measure, interpret, and report on system performance metrics, maintaining detailed performance budgets for critical system elements.
• Provide expert technical input to regulatory, coordination, and market‑access initiatives, and offer mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers. Periodically prepare and deliver technical briefings or presentations to professional audiences.

Education & Professional Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field, with concentration in RF engineering, antenna or microwave theory, digital communications, and/or digital signal processing.
• Minimum of 10 years of directly relevant professional experience aligned with the responsibilities outlined above.
• Demonstrated background in digital communication systems including spread‑sphere methods, single‑ and multi‑carrier architectures, and modulation techniques such as PSK, APSK, and QAM.
• Practical experience with industry modulation standards including DVB‑S2X and DVB‑RCS2, as well as hands‑on use of Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) strategies.
• Proven capability in modelling and simulating RF communication systems using advanced analytical tools such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent platforms.
  $115000-$145000