Senior RF Systems Engineering Specialist – Satellite Communications
This role requires deep technical expertise in satellite RF communications, with a strong focus on physical layer and Layer 2 system design. A solid working knowledge of Layer 3 and higher protocols is also expected. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience with DVB‑S2, DVB‑S2X, and DVB‑RCS2 standards, along with a strong foundation in RF and digital communications theory.
You will have hands‑on experience with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) techniques and a strong understanding of modern antenna technologies, including active and phased array systems. This includes digital beamforming, rapid beam hopping, and antenna performance modelling. The role operates within a systems engineering framework, requiring familiarity with requirements management the full lifecycle from concept through verification.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze and review RF link budgets, conduct system-level trade studies, and model signal impairments to evaluate overall communications performance.
- Collaborate closely with system architects, RF, antenna, and earth station engineers to allocate functionality between hardware and software while optimizing system performance.
- Develop and maintain high-level requirements and specifications for RF links, RF subsystems, and antenna systems, including managing requirement updates as designs evolve.
- Define, review, and assess test plans, procedures, and results to verify compliance with system specifications.
- Perform system performance characterization and analysis, maintaining detailed performance budgets for assigned system elements.
- Provide technical expertise in support of regulatory, spectrum coordination, and market access activities.
- Mentor junior engineers and serve as a technical resource for team members with developing domain expertise.
- Prepare and deliver technical presentations to internal and external engineering audiences as required.
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field, with a focus on RF, antenna and microwave engineering, digital communications, or digital signal processing.
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience performing system-level RF or satellite communications engineering.
- Proven experience with digital communication systems, including spread‑spectrum and single- and multi-carrier architectures.
- Strong background in modulation schemes such as PSK, APSK, and QAM.
- Direct experience with DVB‑S2X, DVB‑RCS2, and Adaptive Coding and Modulation techniques.
- Demonstrated capability in modelling RF communication systems using advanced tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent environments.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong collaborator who performs effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- High standards for technical quality, accuracy, and documentation.
- Capable of managing multiple complex technical challenges concurrently.
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Salary Range - $110,000 - $140,000