Antenna Engineer

PAVE Space SA.; Schweiz; Remote; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PAVE Space SA is developing LYOBA and IBEX with a focus on reliable telecom links for deep space missions. You will own the antenna architecture, drive procurement decisions, and coordinate supplier and lab validation in a hands-on end-to-end role.

The role requires deep RF knowledge, space-grade integration experience, and strong English communication; French is a plus. On-site in Villeneuve (VD), Switzerland.

Qualifications

• Degree in RF/Antenna engineering or equivalent earned in practice.
• 5+ years designing and optimizing antennas on large structures.
• Strong working knowledge of electromagnetic simulation tools (CST, HFSS, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzer, power meter, VNA, etc.).
• Familiarity with spacecraft integration constraints (thermal, vibration, radiation).
• Clear and effective English communication (French is a plus).
• Nice to have: space-industry antenna experience, EMI/EMC knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Define antenna architecture for the spacecraft and drive overall design choices.
• Develop procurement strategy: in-house vs. COTS with rationale.
• Source suppliers and manufacturers for antenna subsystems.
• Optimize antenna placement via simulation and lab measurements on the spacecraft structure.
• Lead integration on the spacecraft and validate against telecom subsystem requirements.

Skills

RF Antenna Design

EM Simulation Tools

RF Lab Equipment

Spacecraft Integration

English Communication

Education

Degree in RF/Antenna engineering

Tools

CST

HFSS

Job description

PAVE Space is building LYOBA, a heavy kick stage moving up to 4-tonne payloads from LEO to high-energy orbits in under 24 hours. We're also developing IBEX, a high mobility spacecraft.

Why now? We need a reliable link between the ground and the spacecraft throughout every phase of the mission, that puts real constraints on the antennas. You'll define the approach, simulate it, measure it, and integrate it, on a timeline measured in weeks.

You will own

• Antenna architecture definition for the spacecraft
• Procurement strategy: whether we design in-house or go COTS, and the rationale behind it
• Supplier and manufacturer sourcing
• Antenna placement optimisation via simulation and lab measurement on a non-trivial structure
• Integration on the spacecraft and lab validation against telecom subsystem requirements

What we are looking for

• Degree in RF/Antenna engineering or equivalent earned in practice
• 5+ years designing and optimising antennas on large structures
• Strong working knowledge of electromagnetic simulation tools (CST, HFSS, or equivalent)
• Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzer, power meter, VNA, etc.)
• Familiarity with spacecraft integration constraints (thermal, vibration, radiation)
• Clear and effective English communication (French is a plus)
• Nice to have: space-industry antenna experience, EMI/EMC knowledge.

You will fit if

• You enjoy the full process, from architecture trade-off to hands-on measurement in the lab on the integrated spacecraft.
• You'd rather own the antenna subsystem end to end than consult on pieces of it.
• You're comfortable making procurement calls (make vs. buy) and standing behind them.
• You communicate clearly across disciplines because antenna placement touches structures, thermal, and telecom.
• This is fully on-site in Villeneuve (VD). The work is early, some of the integration challenges on this geometry haven't been solved before, and you'll be the person solving them. What makes that worth it: your simulations and lab measurements directly determine whether the telecom link closes on real missions. Visible, consequential work on hardware that actually flies and surrounded by sharp peers building the most ambitious space programme in Switzerland.