RF Systems Communications Engineer

SII Group UK; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SII Group UK is seeking an RF System Communications Engineer to lead the development and delivery of RF Communications products within a complex Aerospace programme. You will manage cost, schedule and risk while interfacing with engineering teams, stakeholders and suppliers to ensure on-time delivery across the product lifecycle.

The role requires strong RF systems knowledge, experience with spacecraft communications subsystems and a track record of leading reviews and cross-functional teams in

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of RF communications systems and spacecraft architectures.
• Experience with RF equipment, antennas and payloads.
• Knowledge of link budget analysis and RF performance analysis.
• Experience in verification, validation and system engineering methods.
• Ability to review technical specs, interface docs and verification plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF Communications product development from design through qualification and delivery.
• Manage product cost, schedule, quality, risk and technical performance.
• Act as the primary interface between engineering teams, stakeholders and suppliers.
• Lead technical reviews, product governance and development milestones.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, system requirements and engineering standards.
• Review and approve technical documentation, specifications, verification plans and test results.
• Perform and oversee RF analyses including link budgets and performance assessments.
• Manage supplier performance, contracts and delivery schedules.
• Lead non-conformance, quality and product assurance activities.
• Support production, integration, testing and acceptance activities.
• Prepare and deliver documentation packages for major programme reviews.

Skills

RF communications

Spacecraft architectures

Link budget analysis

RF performance analysis

System engineering

Requirements review

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Problem solving

Tools

RF test equipment

Environmental testing equipment

Job description

We are seeking an RF System Communications Engineer to lead the development and delivery of RF Communications products within a complex Aerospace programme. This person shall be responsible for product performance, supplier management, cost, schedule, risk, quality, and successful delivery throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead RF Communications product development from design through qualification and delivery.
• Manage product cost, schedule, quality, risk, and technical performance.
• Act as the primary interface between engineering teams, programme stakeholders, and suppliers.
• Lead technical reviews, product governance, and development milestones.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, system requirements, and engineering standards.
• Review and approve technical documentation, specifications, verification plans, and test results.
• Perform and oversee RF analyses including link budgets, data volume assessments, and communications performance analysis.
• Manage supplier performance, contracts, change requests, and delivery schedules.
• Lead non-conformance, quality, and product assurance activities.
• Support production, integration, testing, and acceptance activities.
• Prepare and deliver documentation packages for major programme reviews.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of RF communications systems and spacecraft communications architectures.
• Experience with RF equipment, antennas, communications payloads, and associated subsystem hardware.
• Knowledge of:
• Link budget analysis
• RF performance analysis
• Communications subsystem design
• Verification and validation processes
• System engineering methodologies
• Ability to review and approve technical specifications, interface documents, and verification plans.
• Familiarity with qualification, environmental testing, and production readiness reviews.
• Programme & Product Management Skills:
• Product ownership and lifecycle management experience.
• Risk and opportunity management.
• Schedule and cost management.
• Supplier management and performance monitoring.
• Change control and configuration management.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Capability to work within complex, multidisciplinary engineering environments.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with spacecraft or satellite communications subsystems.
• Knowledge of antenna systems and RF equipment development.
• Experience working within highly regulated engineering programmes.
• Understanding of manufacturing, integration, and test activities.
• Familiarity with APQP processes and development assurance standards.
• Experience supporting system-level design reviews and customer data package submissions.

With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions.

SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.

Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.

True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.

Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.

Who are we?

With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions.

SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.

Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.

True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.

Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.