Senior AIT RF Payload Engineer — Space Systems (Hybrid)

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

MDA Space’s Harwell office is seeking a Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer to lead a multiskilled team through full AIT campaigns, from integration to verification, at Harwell (with Stevenage option).

You’ll work on RF payloads, satellite communications technologies and high-stakes environmental tests, collaborating with ESA/UK‑Space Agency stakeholders to deliver mission-critical space systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 5+ years in RF payload, satellite communications, aerospace, defence, or telecoms with lead integration/test campaigns.
• Strong understanding of RF communication systems and satellite architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of multiskilled AIT engineers to deliver a full AIT campaign on time, quality and cost.
• Perform integration activities of the Payload.
• Perform RF Payload Verification & Testing including functional testing and link budget validation.
• Prepare for environmental qualification campaigns including Thermal vacuum, vibration and EMC/EMI tests.
• Specify, commission, validate and maintain EGSE including scripts and monitoring tools.
• Create and maintain AIT documentation including test reports and data packs.
• Raise and manage non-conformances and support project reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical direction.

Skills

RF payload

Satellite comms

Leadership

Python scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Tools

RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analysers)

RF switching systems

Job description

MDA Space’s Harwell office is seeking a Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer to lead a multiskilled team through full AIT campaigns, from integration to verification, at Harwell (with Stevenage option).

You’ll work on RF payloads, satellite communications technologies and high-stakes environmental tests, collaborating with ESA/UK‑Space Agency stakeholders to deliver mission-critical space systems.