Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer

Practicus; Harwell; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Practicus is seeking a Senior AIT RF Communications Payload Engineer to support the development of advanced space systems in a high-demand environment. You will lead RF payload integration through testing and delivery, coordinating with Engineering, Manufacturing, Test and Project teams to ensure reliability in challenging environments.

Applicants should have 5+ years in RF payloads or related sectors, hands-on RF test experience, Python automation skills, and strong communication abilities to

Qualifications

• 5+ years in RF payloads, satellite communications, aerospace or related fields.
• Proficient in RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators, noise figure analysers, and RF switching systems.
• Python for automated test scripting and data analysis.
• Strong communication skills with ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of ECSS standards is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead RF payload integration and RF verification activities, including link budget validation and RF chain characterisation.
• Conduct functional, performance, and end-to-end payload testing to verify hardware interfaces and redundancy systems.
• Support environmental test campaigns including TVAC, vibration, acoustics, EMC/EMI, and shock testing.
• Specify, commission, and maintain EGSE with clear technical specs and test procedures.
• Identify root cause issues during integration, using Python for test automation and data analysis.
• Present technical data to senior leadership and external customers/agencies, and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

RF payload integration

RF communications systems

Python for test scripting

Linux / Windows proficiency

Cross-functional communication

ECSS familiarity

GEO / MEO / LEO satellite programmes

Ka/Ku/X-band payloads

Active phased array antennas

Tools

VNAs

Spectrum analysers

Signal generators

Noise figure analysers

RF switching systems

Job description

Senior AIT RF Communications Payload Engineer | Space Sector

Harwell or Stevenage | 4 days on-site

The Role

A leading organisation within the space sector is seeking a Senior AIT RF Communications Payload Engineer to support the development and delivery of advanced space systems.

Working as part of a growing engineering team, you will play a key role in ensuring products meet stringent quality and reliability requirements throughout the entire development lifecycle. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, and Project teams to drive RF payload integration from initial assembly through to final delivery, helping ensure products can operate reliably in some of the world's most demanding environments.

• Responsible for leading RF payload integration and RF verification activities, including link budget validation and RF chain characterisation
• Conduct functional, performance, and end-to-end payload testing to verify hardware interfaces and redundancy systems
• Support environmental test campaigns including TVAC, vibration, acoustics, EMC/EMI, and shock testing
• Specify, commission, and maintain Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) while producing clear technical specifications and test procedures
• Identify root cause issues during integration, using Python for test automation and data analysis to provide robust solutions
• Present technical data clearly to senior leadership and external customers/agencies (e.g. ESA, UK Space Agency), while proactively mentoring junior engineers across the team

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in RF payloads, satellite communications, aerospace, defence, or telecommunications - including leading integration and test campaigns
• Strong understanding of RF communication systems and satellite communication architectures
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators, noise figure analysers, and RF switching systems
• Proficiency using both Linux and Windows environments, alongside Python for automated test scripting and data analysis
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Experience across GEO, MEO, or LEO satellite programmes or spacecraft-level AIT campaigns
• Exposure to Ka-band, Ku-band, or X-band payloads
• Knowledge of digital transparent processors (DTP), regenerative payloads, or software-defined payload architectures
• Experience with active phased array antennas
• Knowledge of or familiarity with space industry standards such as ECSS is advantageous

Compliance: Please note successful candidates will be required to undergo BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening, including right-to-work, identity, criminal record, and a minimum of 3 years of employment history checks, as part of the onboarding process.