RF Test Manager

Airbus S.A.S.; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Portsmouth seeks an experienced Head of RF Test to oversee all RF testing activities across multiple space programmes. In this role, you will lead a team of skilled engineers, ensure operational performance, and drive technical excellence in RF testing for space technology. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in RF testing within aerospace, excellent leadership skills, and a degree in Engineering. Competitive salary and flexible working options are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual profit share

Contributory pension

Hybrid working

Personalized development plan

Wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in RF testing within aerospace or high-reliability communication systems.
• Proven ability to manage complex operational environments.
• Strong commitment to regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all RF testing activities across multiple space programmes.
• Lead a team of engineers and drive operational performance.
• Define vision and strategy for RF test.

Skills

RF testing experience

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Understanding of RF test principles

Education

Degree in Electrical, Electronic or Communications Engineering

Job description

Overview

In this key leadership role, you'll oversee all RF testing activities across multiple space programmes, including RF preparation tasks for telecoms payloads testing and ensuring that test systems solutions are developed on time, on cost & on quality (including Product Regulatory Compliance, where appropriate). You'll lead a team of skilled engineers, driving operational performance, technical excellence and continuous improvement in one of Europe's most advanced RF test environments. You'll define the vision and strategy for RF test, ensuring safe, efficient and on-time delivery of complex test campaigns. Working closely with Engineering, Quality and Programme teams you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring that our spacecraft meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Experience in RF testing within aerospace, defence or high-reliability communication systems
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex operational environments
• Understanding of RF test principles, measurement systems and payload performance validation
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Electronic or Communications Engineering
• Experience of regulatory compliance requirements, This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth.

At Airbus Defence and Space in Portsmouth, we're shaping the future of communications and space technology. Our RF test organisation (as a key part of the wider AIT - Assembly, Integration and Test team) ensures that every payload we deliver performs flawlessly in orbit - and we're now looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of RF Test to lead this critical capability.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

Benefits

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax‑free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
• Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working (aligned with business / role needs), up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL, option to buy holiday
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan, Airbus Leadership University and unlimited access to 10,000+ E‑learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle‑to‑work scheme, on‑site canteen and coffee shop
• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and caregiving
• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi‑faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)

Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero‑carbon flight (#ZEROe) to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change? Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.