Satellite RF Senior Technician

ICEYE; Valencia; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

ICEYE in Valencia, Spain seeks a Satellite Radio Frequency Senior Technician to lead RF payload testing, antenna characterization, and SAR radar validation on the production line. You’ll operate an Anechoic Chamber and use spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and power meters to verify performance against specifications.

You’ll work with RF engineering and satellite systems teams, documenting results, maintaining calibration, and contributing to continuous improvement in procedures and tools.

Qualifications

• Relevant university degree in RF Engineering, Telecommunications, Electronics, Applied Physics, or similar, or equivalent hands-on experience in a related role.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience with RF lab instrumentation (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, power meters, RF signal generators).
• Practical experience executing RF tests, Anechoic Chamber operation, and RF cabling/setup debugging.
• Solid understanding of RF fundamentals, radar or communications payloads, gain, phase, frequency response, and interference.
• Basic proficiency in a Linux environment and running Python or Shell scripts for automated test procedures.
• Excellent communication skills, with particular attention to detail in procedures, preparation, and execution.
• Proficient in English, both written and spoken, to ensure clear communication in a cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, mount, and operate satellites inside the Anechoic Chamber for RF payload testing and antenna characterization.
• Set up and operate high-frequency RF instrumentation, including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, RF signal generators, and power meters.
• Execute manual and automated RF test scripts to measure gain, phase, frequency response, power output, and link budgets.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot RF path, signal integrity, and payload subsystem anomalies, distinguishing test/cabling setup issues from genuine unit faults.
• Document test outcomes, maintain calibration records, and generate non-conformance reports (NCRs) in Jira.
• Operate mechanical and electrical ground support equipment (GSE) to ensure smooth chamber test operations.
• Assist in managing activities related to satellite launch campaigns.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives - procedures, processes, tools, and 6S.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of work performed, and communicate proactively with team members and supervisors regarding any challenges or obstacles.
• Collaborate closely with RF engineering, the Satellite Systems Senior Technician, and other production teams to meet satellite delivery deadlines and technical specifications.

Skills

RF instrumentation

Anechoic Chamber operation

Python scripting

Linux basics

RF tests

Education

RF Engineering degree

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers

Power meters

RF signal generators

Job description

Role highlights

Title: Satellite Radio Frequency Senior Technician

Department: Global Manufacturing Organisation

Reports to: Head of MAITE Spain

Location: Valencia, Spain

Type of Contract: Permanent

Working model: On-site

Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)

Why this role matters

As a Satellite RF Senior Technician, you play a vital role in proving that every satellite's radar payload meets aerospace quality standards before it leaves our Valencia production line. You will operate our Anechoic Chamber, execute RF payload verification and antenna characterization, and validate SAR radar performance using specialized high-frequency instrumentation. Your work gives ICEYE dedicated, high-quality RF test capability on the line, alongside our systems and software verification team.

Who We Are

ICEYE is the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space. We deliver persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth.

ICEYE owns the world's largest and most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation. To our customers we provide intelligence with unmatched quality, latency and revisit times, in any weather, day or night. To governments who choose to operate their own constellation we provide this proven capability as a sovereign system.

ICEYE-built constellations serve customers in defence and intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance and emergency management. We enable fast decisions that contribute to a safer future.

Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1000 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

Your day-to-day responsibilities

• Prepare, mount, and operate satellites inside the Anechoic Chamber for RF payload testing and antenna characterization.
• Set up and operate high-frequency RF instrumentation, including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, RF signal generators, and power meters.
• Execute manual and automated RF test scripts to measure gain, phase, frequency response, power output, and link budgets.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot RF path, signal integrity, and payload subsystem anomalies, distinguishing test/cabling setup issues from genuine unit faults.
• Document test outcomes, maintain calibration records, and generate non-conformance reports (NCRs) in Jira.
• Operate mechanical and electrical ground support equipment (GSE) to ensure smooth chamber test operations.
• Assist in managing activities related to satellite launch campaigns.
• Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives - procedures, processes, tools, and 6S.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of work performed, and communicate proactively with team members and supervisors regarding any challenges or obstacles.
• Collaborate closely with RF engineering, the Satellite Systems Senior Technician, and other production teams to meet satellite delivery deadlines and technical specifications.

What we're looking for

• Relevant university degree in RF Engineering, Telecommunications, Electronics, Applied Physics, or similar, or equivalent hands-on experience in a related role.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience with RF lab instrumentation (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, power meters, RF signal generators).
• Practical experience executing RF tests, Anechoic Chamber operation, and RF cabling/setup debugging.
• Solid understanding of RF fundamentals, radar or communications payloads, gain, phase, frequency response, and interference.
• Basic proficiency in a Linux environment and running Python or Shell scripts for automated test procedures.
• Excellent communication skills, with particular attention to detail in procedures, preparation, and execution.
• Proficient in English, both written and spoken, to ensure clear communication in a cross-functional environment.

Nice to haves

• Background in synthetic aperture radar (SAR), space hardware, or defense electronics.
• Knowledge of antenna alignment and chamber calibration.
• Advanced Python scripting, ICEYE-specific test frameworks, and satellite bus specifics.
• Experience using Atlassian Cloud (Jira, Confluence).

Application Process

• Talent Acquisition Interview
• Hiring Manager General Interview
• Technical Interview, including a Technical Challenge
• Final Interview

Working at ICEYE

At ICEYE, you'll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win.

How We Work (Our Values)

Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way.

Be curious: Go deep,