RF System Engineer

Infinite Orbits; Toulouse; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Infinite Orbits in Toulouse seeks an RF System Engineer to define and validate the spacecraft RF architecture for GEO missions, ensuring robust, high-performance communications. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to select equipment and drive ground-station solutions, overseeing RF integration through AIT campaigns.

The role requires a Master's in RF/Aerospace engineering and 5+ years in RF design for satellites, with hands-on experience in ADS/HFSS/CST/STK

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in RF Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in RF systems design, with at least 3 years focused on satellite or spacecraft RF architecture.
• Proven experience in designing and testing RF subsystems for GEO or other satellite missions.
• Hands-on experience with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST, STK).
• Proven experience testing RF at unit and system level during AIT campaigns.
• Strong understanding of RF principles, antenna theory, and microwave engineering.
• Familiarity with the space environment and its effects on RF systems (radiation, thermal, vacuum).
• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) and software defined radio (SDR) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews, produce interface documentation, and support AIT test phases.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills in English for technical documentation and teamwork collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Define RF architecture for spacecraft communication, telemetry, tracking, and payload systems.
• Develop RF link budgets, antenna patterns, and system-level performance models.
• Realise the tradeoff between on-board and on-ground capacity.
• Define ground station requirements and participate in selection.
• Ensure compliance with ITU, FCC, and other regulatory standards.
• Lead the design of RF subsystems including transceivers, antennas, amplifiers, and filters.
• Select and evaluate RF components and technologies for space environments.
• Work with suppliers to deliver RF hardware on schedule and with cost while meeting requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical and thermal teams to ensure RF performance in harsh conditions.
• Oversee RF subsystem integration and testing, including environmental and functional tests.
• Develop test plans and procedures for RF performance validation.
• Troubleshoot RF-related issues during spacecraft assembly and test phases.
• Interface with external partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Stay abreast of emerging RF technologies and trends.
• Propose and evaluate new RF solutions to enhance spacecraft performance and reliability.

Skills

RF system design

Satellite RF architecture

RF testing

Education

Master's degree in RF or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ADS

HFSS

CST

STK

Job description

About the Company

Established in 2017, Infinite Orbits is a NewSpace company, based in Toulouse, pushing the boundaries of in-orbit services with cutting-edge spacecraft driven by its own Rendez-Vous solution, an advanced Autonomous Vision-Based Navigation Solution. IO has two generations of missions

• \"Orbit Guard\" provides Inspection and Space Situational Awareness services in GEO.

• \"Endurance\" is a docking service capable of extending the life of GEO telecom satellites, by taking over AOCS takeover for 5 years.

About the Role

As an RF System Engineer for Infinite Orbits’ GEO satellite missions, you will define, design, and validate the spacecraft’s RF architecture, ensuring compliance with mission requirements. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, high-performance communication systems and with third parties to drive equipment and ground station selection. You will ensure full integration and verification of RF functions throughout Assembly, Integration, and Testing phases.

Job Description

• Define and document the RF architecture for spacecraft communication, telemetry, tracking, and payload systems.

• Develop RF link budgets, antenna patterns, and system-level performance models.

• Realise the tradeoff between on-board and on-ground capacity.

• Define the ground station requirements and participate in the selection.

• Ensure compliance with ITU, FCC, and other regulatory standards.

• Lead the design of RF subsystems, including transceivers, antennas, amplifiers, and filters.

• Select and evaluate RF components and technologies for space environments.

• Work with suppliers to deliver RF hardware on schedule and cost while meeting technical requirements.

• Collaborate with mechanical and thermal teams to ensure RF performance in harsh conditions.

• Oversee RF subsystem integration and testing, including environmental and functional tests.

• Develop test plans and procedures for RF performance validation.

• Troubleshoot and resolve RF-related issues during spacecraft assembly and test phases.

• Work closely with systems engineers, payload specialists, and mission planners to align RF design with mission objectives.

• Interface with external partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies.

• Stay abreast of emerging RF technologies and industry trends.

• Propose and evaluate new RF solutions to enhance spacecraft performance and reliability.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in RF Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

• 5+ years of professional experience in RF systems design, with at least 3 years focused on satellite or spacecraft RF architecture.

• Proven experience in designing and testing RF subsystems for GEO or other satellite missions.

• Hands-on experience with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST, STK).

• Proven experience testing RF at unit and system level during AIT campaigns.

• Strong understanding of RF principles, antenna theory, and microwave engineering.

• Familiarity with the space environment and its effects on RF systems (radiation, thermal, vacuum).

• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) and software defined radio (SDR) is a plus.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews, produce interface documentation, and support AIT test phases.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills in English for technical documentation and teamwork collaboration.

What we offer

• The opportunity to be part of an international team transforming the space industry.

• A creative and innovative work environment where ideas turn into reality.

• Competitive salary and benefits.