RF Systems Engineer, Spacecraft Communications

Collage; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian aerospace startup is seeking an RF Systems Engineer to design, develop, and test radio frequency systems for satellites and robotic platforms. This full-time position requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 3+ years of RF engineering experience. Key responsibilities include subsystem design, prototyping in a lab, and integration for space missions. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in Python or MATLAB, thriving in a fast-paced environment while pushing the boundaries of space technology.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on RF engineering experience needed.
• Experience in RF hardware design and communications system development.
• Understanding RF design constraints for space environments.

Responsibilities

• Design RF and communications subsystems for satellites and space robotics.
• Build, integrate and test RF prototypes in a lab environment.
• Support vehicle TT&C system design and integration.

Skills

RF hardware design

Communication system development

Antenna engineering

Electromagnetic simulation

Python or MATLAB proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Spectrum analysers

Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)

Signal generators

Job description

NordSpace (https://nordspace.com) is a Canadian startup with the mission to advance life on Earth, from space. NordSpace is committed to extremely rapid innovation and development of the most ambitious aerospace projects with the most ambitious team. With divisions spanning everything fromspace robotics to satellites torockets,NordSpace is driven to bring space closer to Earth and inspire generations of space explorers.

About the Role
The RFSystemsEngineer will design, develop, and test the radio frequency and communications systems that connectNordSpace'ssatellites and robotic platforms to Earth and to each other. This role spans link budget analysis, RF hardware design, antenna development, and communications system integration acrossNordSpace'sspace systems missions, includingEarth orbit,lunar and other extraterrestrial programs. The RF Engineer will also support the Launch Program on vehicle telemetry, tracking, and communications systems as needed. Working within a small, multidisciplinary team, this engineer will carry significant ownership of the RF chain from concept through flight, and will need to move fluidly between analysis,development, and testing.

Core Responsibilities

RF System Design & Analysis:

• Design RF and communications subsystems (antennae,transceivers, amplifiers, filters, signal conditioning) for satellite,space roboticsand launchmissions, performing link budget analyses, system architecture trades, andoff-the-shelfcomponentselection that balance performance, power, mass, and cost within mission constraints.
• Analyzeantennaeperformanceusing electromagnetic simulation tools (HFSS, CST, FEKO, or equivalent), coordinating with mechanical and thermal engineers on structural and deployment integration.

Hardware Development & Testing:

• Build, integrateand test RF prototypes, antenna assemblies, and integrated communications units in a lab environment, developing test procedures and executing characterization using spectrum analysers, VNAs, signal generators, and other RF instrumentation.
• Perform EMI/EMC assessment and mitigation at the subsystem and system level, and support environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, radiation) of RF hardware through test definition, monitoring, and results analysis.

Integration & Mission Support:

• Integrate and verify RF and communications subsystems within the spacecraft avionics architecture, coordinating end-to-end data flow with embedded systems, software, and ground systems engineers, including ground station interface commissioning and link verification.
• Support the Launch Program on vehicle TT&C system design, integration, and test as needed, providing RFexpertiseto the launch avionics team.
• Lead frequency coordination and spectrum licensing activities with regulatory bodies (ISED, ITU, or equivalent), ensuringNordSpace'scommunications systems are compliant and protected across all mission phases.
• Participate in design reviews,interfacecontrol development, and contribute across all phases of product development from requirements through post-mission analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution;Master'sor Ph.D. preferred.
• 3+ years of hands-on RF engineering experience, including RF hardware design, communications system development, or antenna engineering.
• Understanding of the unique constraints of RF design for space environments (thermal, radiation, vacuum, power budgets, Doppler considerations).
• Experience with antenna design, electromagnetic simulation tools, and RF test instrumentation (spectrum analysers, VNAs, signal generators, power meters), with the ability to independently debug and characterize hardware on the bench.
• Working knowledge of EMI/EMC principles, digital communications concepts (modulation, coding, protocol stacks), and space communications standards (CCSDS experience is an asset). Familiarity with software-defined radio platforms and frequency coordination processes (ISED, ITU, FCC) is desired.
• Proficiencyin Python or MATLAB for RF analysis, simulation scripting, and test automation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, strong written and verbal communication, and the ability to conduct independent research, evaluate trade-offs, and document designs and test results clearly for a multidisciplinary team.
• Results-oriented, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and brings initiative and creativity to a team pushing the boundaries of what Canadian space systems can achieve.

This is a full-time in-person role at our office in Markham