Antenna Engineer

PAVE Space SA; Villeneuve (VD); À distance; CHF 120 000 - 180 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

PAVE Space SA is seeking an RF/antenna engineer to shape the antenna system for a high‑energy spacecraft. You will drive architecture decisions, run simulations, and verify results with lab measurements on a challenging non‑trivial structure.

The role requires a hands-on approach from design to integration, with strong English communication and familiarity with spacecraft constraints. On-site work in Villeneuve (VD) is essential, offering exposure to mission-critical telecom subsystems.

Qualifications

• Degree in RF/Antenna engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years designing antennas on large structures.
• Strong 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).

Responsabilités

• 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.

Connaissances

RF Antenna Design

Antenna Simulation

Lab Measurements

Spacecraft Integration

Formation

Degree in RF/Antenna Eng

Outils

CST

HFSS

VNA

Spectrum Analyzer

Power Meter

Description du poste

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.

Apply to contribute, or pass this to the antenna engineer you know who'd thrive here.