RF Subsystems Engineer - Design the communication systems that connect ambitious satellite missions to Earth

GomSpace A/S; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 673,000 - 972,000; Full time

Job summary

GomSpace A/S in Luxembourg seeks an experienced RF Subsystems Engineer to design, develop and validate RF communication subsystems for ambitious nanosatellite missions.

You will own end-to-end RF subsystem architecture from link budget to firmware development, HIL testing and over-the-air validation, collaborating with GomSpace’s RF Hardware team in Aalborg. This role requires strong hands-on RF design, testing and systems integration in space contexts.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in RF subsystem design, testing, or integration for satellite or aerospace applications.
• Hands-on experience with UHF, S-band, or X-band communication systems.
• Proficiency in RF simulation and design tools CST, ADS, HFSS.
• Familiarity with modulation schemes (GMSK, QPSK, 8PSK, DVB-S2) and communication protocols (CSP, CCSDS).
• Experience with ECSS standards or space-grade RF qualification is a strong plus.
• Experience with RF payload design, DSP, or sensing systems would be considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Define RF subsystem architectures and perform trade-offs across frequency bands, performance, and constraints.
• Perform link budget analysis, RF chain modelling, and system-level performance optimisation.
• Specify RF subsystem requirements and interfaces in coordination with system and payload teams.
• Support integration, verification, and validation of RF subsystems, including HIL and over-the-air testing.
• Contribute to selection and oversight of RF front-end components and suppliers (UHF/VHF/S/X-band).
• Identify and assess onboard signal processing and data reduction algorithms for RF payloads.
• Assess radar emitter detection, classification, and geolocation techniques using pulse and spectral analysis.

Skills

RF subsystem design

Link budget analysis

RF front-end design

UHF/VHF/S/X-band

DSP for RF payloads

ECSS standards

Satellite communications

RF measurement methods

RF simulation know-how

robust problem solving

Education

MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CST

ADS

HFSS

Spectrum analyzers

VNAs

Job description

We are seeking an experienced RF Subsystems Engineer to design, develop, and validate RF communication subsystems for ambitious nanosatellite missions.

In this role, you will design and integrate RF front-end components across UHF, S-band, and X-band systems, perform link budget analyses, and validate performance through hardware-in-the-loop and over-the-air testing.

You will join our Advanced Missions global team, working on next-generation RF concepts and mission-specific communication architectures while collaborating closely with GomSpace’s RF Hardware team in Aalborg — whose flight‑proven NanoCom radios and SDR platform are on orbit today across missions like GOMX-4, GOMX-5, Starling, and Juventas (ESA/Hera). Depending on the mission, you may contribute to conventional communication subsystems, software‑defined radio applications, or advanced RF sensing payloads.

Important eligibility requirement: Employment in this position requires eligibility for national and EU security clearance. Certain citizenships or dual citizenships may affect the ability to obtain such clearance under applicable regulations.

Your Role

As RF Subsystems Engineer, you will own the end‑to‑end RF subsystem architecture for advanced mission proposals, from link budget analysis and front‑end design through firmware development, HIL testing, and over‑the‑air validation.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Define RF subsystem architectures and perform trade‑offs across frequency bands, performance, and constraints
• Perform link budget analysis, RF chain modelling, and system‑level performance optimisation
• Specify RF subsystem requirements and interfaces in coordination with system and payload teams
• Support integration, verification, and validation of RF subsystems, including HIL and over‑the‑air testing
• Contribute to selection and oversight of RF front‑end components and suppliers (UHF/VHF/S/X-band)
• Identify and assess onboard signal processing and data reduction algorithms for RF payloads.
• Assess radar emitter detection, classification, and geolocation techniques using pulse and spectral analysis.

What Success Looks Like

In the initial phase, success means:

• Understanding GomSpace’s NanoCom product portfolio and SDR architecture.
• Completing a link budget analysis for an active mission proposal and performing your first HIL or over‑the‑air RF test using GomSpace equipment.
• Communicating RF trade‑offs and link budget results clearly to non‑RF stakeholders.
• Contributing directly to winning new mission opportunities through robust RF subsystem designs and credible technical proposals.

Over time, you will be recognised for owning end‑to‑end RF subsystem design for mission proposals — from link budget through component selection to test verification — and for establishing reusable RF modelling and simulation tools for the BU.

What You Bring

You are an RF engineer with hands‑on experience in satellite communication systems, comfortable moving between simulation, the lab bench, and system‑level integration.

You likely bring:

• An MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in RF subsystem design, testing, or integration for satellite or aerospace applications.
• Hands‑on experience with UHF, S‑band, or X‑band communication systems.
• Proficiency in RF simulation and design tools (CST, ADS, HFSS, or similar) and experience with spectrum analysers, VNAs, and RF test equipment.
• Familiarity with modulation schemes (GMSK, QPSK, 8PSK, DVB‑S2) and communication protocols (CSP, CCSDS).
• Experience in RF payload design, digital signal processing (DSP), or sensing systems would be considered a strong advantage.
• Experience with RF signal analysis and/or ELINT/SIGINT techniques (e.g. radar pulse detection, classification, and geolocation).
• Experience with ECSS standards or space‑grade RF qualification is a strong plus.

Who You Are

You are precise, methodical, and energised by the challenge of squeezing maximum performance out of tight RF margins in space. You enjoy the full cycle — from modelling a link budget to measuring real hardware on the bench.

You are known for:

• Precision and attention to detail — RF performance in space demands it.
• Hands‑on problem solving — equally comfortable in simulation tools and at the lab bench.
• Collaborative communication — able to bridge RF‑specific topics with systems and payload teams.
• Curiosity — eager to explore emerging RF technologies and push boundaries in nanosatellite communications.
• Execution discipline — delivering results in demanding, schedule‑driven environments.
• Customer focus – ensuring focus on customer’s success.
• True leadership — taking ownership of your domain and driving technical excellence.

Why Join Us

You will help define communication architectures for some of the most challenging nanosatellite missions in Europe, working at the intersection of RF engineering, systems engineering, and mission design. Your work will directly influence customer proposals, mission feasibility, and the technologies that ultimately fly in space.

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with leading institutional customers, influence mission architectures from the start, and contribute to programs with long‑term strategic impact.

The primary workplace will be at our premises at 1 Boulevard du Jazz, L-4370 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. Salary and start date will be individually negotiated.

As part of our recruitment process, employment requires you to complete a background check conducted by an authorized third‑party provider in accordance with applicable legislation.

We kindly draw your attention to the fact that we do not receive applications and resumes via e‑mail or by personal appearance. This is to protect and show consideration for your personal information.

About GomSpace

GomSpace is a globally leading designer, integrator and manufacturer of high‑end nano and microsatellites for customers in the academic, government and commercial markets. Our positions of strength include systems integration, small satellite subsystems and advanced miniaturized radio technology. At the core of our mission are our core values: Be helpful, communicate openly and frequently, and show true leadership.

Our international team is devoted to understanding our customers’ requirements and delivering high quality. We are listed in Stockholm (GOMX), headquartered in Denmark and have subsidiaries in Sweden, Singapore, France, North America and Luxembourg. We have more than 200 employees servicing customers in more than 60 countries.

Learn more on www.gomspace.com

At GomSpace WE MAKE SPACE YOURS.

Join us in shaping the future of space exploration!

Application deadline

As soon as possible

Ready to make your mark – with clarity, care, and commitment?

We’d love to hear from you.

Application deadline

As soon as possible