Microwave/Mm-Wave Technology and Equipment Engineer

Serco Space Services - Europe Careers; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Public transport reimbursement

Home office stipend

Work desk reimbursement

Bicycle scheme

Pension plan

Job summary

Serco Space Services - Europe Careers at ESTEC in Noordwijk seeks a Microwave/Mm-Wave Technology and Equipment Engineer. You will contribute to design, development and performance evaluation of RF technologies for space and ground segments, and provide expert support to ESA projects and R&D programmes.

Responsibilities include developing test beds, characterising RF equipment, and building software tools (LabVIEW or Python) for automated testing and monitoring.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Microwave, Telecommunications or Electronics Engineering.
• At least 4 years of experience in laboratory testing activities.
• Good understanding of space environment, testing practices and technologies for space applications.
• Skilled in operation of vacuum chambers and/or test software development.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support to the design, development and performance evaluation of RF equipment and technologies applicable to space and ground segments.
• Provide expert technical support to ESA projects and R&D programmes.
• Development of test beds and characterization of RF Equipment/Payloads, such as: Time & frequency equipment (atomic clocks, oscillators, control units, converters), RF active equipment (high-power amplifier, low noise amplifier, MMICs, Transmit/Receive modules), RF passive equipment (filters, switches, ferrite devices), RF Payloads or subsystems for GNSS, Telecom, EO or Science applications, Life- and TVAC testing.
• Development of software (e.g. Lab View or Python) for automated testing, control and monitoring of device/payload performance.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of section’s laboratory facilities and ESTEC UTC facility and its tools.

Skills

RF engineering

Lab testing

LabVIEW

Python

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Physics or Microwave/Electronics

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

For more than half a century, Serco has walked alongside the pioneers of space. Serco has supported over 50 ESA missions where our teams have helped launch satellites, guide spacecraft across the void and turn data into discoveries that reshape our world. With thousands of specialists contributing across the entire space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to operations and surveillance, we’ve become a trusted force in national And European space strategies. And now, the next chapter could include you.

As part of our long-standing partnership with the European Space Agency, we are looking for a Microwave/Mm-Wave Technology and Equipment Engineer to join our team at ESTEC in Noordwijk.

General tasks to be performed:

• Contributing to the design, development and performance evaluation of RF technologies applicable to space and ground segments, including:
  • Specification, development and procurement of RF equipment and sub-systems.
  • Linear/non-linear, circuit and electromagnetic modelling and simulation.
  • Device, module, equipment performance evaluation and characterization.
• Providing expert technical support to projects and programmes.
• Contributing to the generation of innovative ideas in the field of RF equipment and technologies and to the definition of ESA R&D programmes.
• Defining technical requirements for the new developments from early conceptual studies to full hardware development.
• Contributing the to the development/usage of section related laboratory facilities and analysis/simulation tools.
• Monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends.

Specific tasks to be performed:

• Provide expert technical support to the design, development and performance evaluation of RF equipment and technologies applicable to space and ground segments.
• Provide expert technical support to ESA projects and R&D programmes.
• Development of test beds and characterization of RF Equipment/Payloads, such as:
  • Time & frequency equipment e.g. atomic clocks, oscillators, control units, converters.
  • RF active equipment e.g. high-power amplifier, low noise amplifier, MMICs, Transmit/Receive modules.
  • RF passive equipment e.g. filters, switches, ferrite devices.
  • RF Payloads or subsystems for GNSS, Telecom, EO or Science applications.
  • Life- and TVAC testing.
• Development of software (e.g. Lab View or Python) for automated testing, control and monitoring of device/payload performance.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of section’s laboratory facilities, including ESTEC’s UTC facility and its associated analysis/simulation tools.
• Contribute to the generation of innovative ideas in the field of RF equipment and technologies for space applications and to the definition of ESA R&D programmes.
• Maintain state-of-the‑art expertise by monitoring the technological trends and applying them in the day‑to‑day tasks.

Profile:

• Master’s degree in Physics, Microwave, Telecommunications or Electronics Engineering.
• At least 4 years of experience in laboratory testing activities.
• Good understanding of space environment, testing practices and technologies for space applications.
• Skilled in operation of vacuum chambers and/or test software development.
• Comfortable with working in a diverse and multinational team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are needed, together with a high degree organizational and communication abilities.
• Proficient in the English language, both written and spoken.
• Candidates must be EU nationals.

What we Offer: More than just a job.

At Serco, we believe that a career should come with more than just a paycheck, it should provide support, security, and a sense of balance in your life.

• We offer 20 holidays + 10 additional discretionary holidays per year.
• We support your daily life and commute in practical ways.
• If you travel to work, you can claim a travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometre for up to 150 km, or you can have your public transport fully reimbursed.
• For those working from home, there’s a small daily allowance of €2 to cover extra costs, and new employees can be reimbursed up to €500 for a desk or chair to make their home workspace comfortable.
• When your work takes you on missions or travel, all business‑related expenses are fully covered, and for peace of mind during tax season, our appointed advisor will assist you in completing your income tax forms.
• If you enjoy cycling, our bicycle scheme allows you to benefit from a tax‑efficient allowance of up to €749, one year of full insurance with an additional €89 per year for accessories.
• Our company pension scheme is premium‑free which means that the pension premium is fully covered by us.
• To support your wellbeing and daily work, we offer up to €250 reimbursement for work glasses to reduce blue light strain and provide access to Benefits & Work, offering multiple discounts for online shopping.
• For lifelong learning, all employees receive a 35% discount on programs at Webster University.
• Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.

Relocation:

The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well‑connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe's busiest and most well‑connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.