Satellite RF Hardware & Operations Engineer

Dawn Aerospace; Delft; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space transportation company in the Netherlands is seeking an experienced RF Hardware & Operations Manager. This role will focus on designing, deploying, and overseeing RF systems, handling both technical and operational aspects including third-party ground stations. Candidates should possess a degree in Electrical or RF Engineering, extensive RF systems experience, and familiarity with regulatory compliance. This permanent role begins with a 12-month fixed-term contract and offers the chance to work on innovative space projects.

Qualifications

• Strong hands‑on experience with RF systems across multiple frequency bands (UHF through Ka-band).
• Experience managing or operating ground stations (satellite or radar preferred).
• Proven background in RF testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with ITU processes, spectrum filing, and regulatory coordination.
• Familiarity with ITU processes and regulatory coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and lifecycle management of RF hardware systems.
• Manage in‑house ground station infrastructure from installation through operations.
• Plan and execute RF operational testing, validation, and verification activities.
• Lead or support ITU filings and spectrum coordination.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, flight ops, software, and mission teams.

Skills

RF system design and analysis

Ground station operations and reliability

Spectrum management and regulatory compliance

Vendor and partner coordination

Strong documentation and communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field

Job description

Role

We are seeking an experienced RF Hardware & Operations Manager to lead the design, deployment, and operation of RF systems across our ground infrastructure. This role owns both hands‑on RF hardware and operational oversight of in‑house and third‑party ground stations, ensuring reliable performance across multiple frequency bands and radar systems. The ideal candidate combines deep technical RF expertise with strong operational and regulatory experience.

Key Responsibilities

• RF Hardware & Systems
  • Lead the design, integration, and lifecycle management of RF hardware systems
  • Own RF systems across UHF, S‑band, L‑band, and Ka‑band, including communications and radar applications
  • Specify, procure, and integrate flight‑proven COTS components
  • Support radar systems operating in relevant bands, including performance optimization and troubleshooting
• Ground Station Operations
  • Manage in‑house ground station infrastructure from installation through ongoing operations
  • Coordinate with and oversee third‑party ground station providers, ensuring service quality, availability, and compliance
  • Define operational procedures, monitoring, and maintenance strategies for RF assets
  • Act as the technical point of contact for RF‑related operational issues
• RF Testing & Validation
  • Plan and execute RF operational testing, validation, and verification activities
  • Plan and execute EMI characterization and compliance testing
  • Perform link budget analysis, interference analysis, and performance characterization
  • Ensure systems meet internal requirements and external regulatory standards
• Regulatory & Spectrum Management
  • Lead or support ITU filings and spectrum coordination, including collaboration with external partners (e.g., TU Delft)
  • Maintain awareness of international and regional RF regulations
  • Ensure compliance with licensing, coordination agreements, and spectrum usage requirements
• Cross‑Functional Leadership
  • Work closely with systems engineering, flight operations, software, and mission teams
  • Translate mission and operational needs into RF system requirements
  • Support long‑term RF and ground infrastructure roadmap planning

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field
• Strong hands‑on experience with RF systems across multiple frequency bands (UHF through Ka‑band)
• Experience managing or operating ground stations (satellite or radar preferred)
• Proven background in RF testing, validation, and troubleshooting
• Familiarity with ITU processes, spectrum filing, and regulatory coordination

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or managing third‑party ground station networks
• Radar system experience (especially S, L, or Ka band)
• Experience in satellite communications or space‑related programs

Key Skills

• RF system design and analysis
• Ground station operations and reliability
• Spectrum management and regulatory compliance
• Vendor and partner coordination
• Strong documentation and communication skills

Note that the role is a permanent position that will start with a fixed‑term contract of 12 months.

About Dawn Aerospace

Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company with a purpose. Our mission is to enable the next generation of space users by providing more sustainable and scalable ways to access and move around in space. We believe this access, in the form of a transportation network, will fundamentally change what’s possible from space. We currently focus on three areas of space transportation:

• In‑space propulsion
  We're a leading supplier of turnkey green propulsion systems for various classes of satellites. Our systems utilise safe, accessible propellants and we have over 170 of these propulsion units on more than 40 operational satellites already. A further 200 units are in production.
• In‑space servicing
  Coupled with our propulsion expertise, we are ensuring that our customers' satellites are refuellable. In the coming years, Dawn will offer a refueling service to enable life extension of customer satellites. This new market is aligned with our sustainability goal to ensue a clean and safe space for everyone!
• Space launch
  Our Mk‑II Aurora spaceplane demonstrator has completed over 60 successful flights and we recently completed campaigns utilising our in‑house rocket engine. Mk‑II is unique in that it combines the performance of a rocket and the rapid reusability and economic model of an aircraft.

Our international teams are distributed across four locations: the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the USA.

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Important!

If you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you.

To all recruitment agencies:
Dawn Aerospace does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our job’s alias, our employees, or any other company location. Dawn Aerospace will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.