Senior RF Systems Engineer

Myticas LLC; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A satellite communications technology firm in Ottawa is seeking a Senior RF Systems Engineering Specialist. This role demands in-depth expertise in satellite RF communications, focusing on system design, compliance verification, and mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and considerable experience in digital communication systems, including DVB-S2 and ACM techniques. A proven track record of teamwork and problem-solving in complex technical environments is essential. The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 – $140,000.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in RF or satellite communications engineering.
• Proven experience with digital communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate RF link budgets and performance.
• Collaborate with system architects and engineers on design functionality.
• Develop and maintain requirements for RF links and subsystems.

Skills

Collaborative skills

Excellent communication

Technical documentation

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

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 and 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.

Salary Range – $110,000 – $140,000