Senior RF Systems Engineer

Darwin Recruitment are hiring for a Senior RF Systems Engineer in Toulouse.

About the Role
As an RF System Engineer for thi company, you will define, design, and validate the spacecraft’s RF architecture, ensuring compliance with mission requirements. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, high-performance communication systems and with third parties to drive equipment and ground station selection. You will ensure full integration and verification of RF functions throughout Assembly, Integration, and Testing phases.

Job Description
* Define and document the RF architecture for spacecraft communication, telemetry, tracking, and payload systems.
* Develop RF link budgets, antenna patterns, and system-level performance models.
* Realise the tradeoff between on-board and on-ground capacity.
* Define the ground station requirements and participate in the selection.
* Ensure compliance with ITU, FCC, and other regulatory standards.
* Lead the design of RF subsystems, including transceivers, antennas, amplifiers, and filters.
* Select and evaluate RF components and technologies for space environments.
* Collaborate with mechanical and thermal teams to ensure RF performance in harsh conditions.
* Oversee RF subsystem integration and testing, including environmental and functional tests.
* Develop test plans and procedures for RF performance validation.
* Troubleshoot and resolve RF-related issues during spacecraft assembly and test phases.
* Work closely with systems engineers, payload specialists, and mission planners to align RF design with mission objectives.
* Interface with external partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
* Stay abreast of emerging RF technologies and industry trends.
* Propose and evaluate new RF solutions to enhance spacecraft performance and reliability.

Requirements
* Master’s degree in RF Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
* 5+ years of professional experience in RF systems design, with at least 3 years focused on satellite or spacecraft RF architecture.
* Proven experience in designing and testing RF subsystems for GEO or other satellite missions.
* Hands-on experience with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST, STK).
* Proven experience testing RF at unit and system level during AIT campaigns.
* Strong understanding of RF principles, antenna theory, and microwave engineering.
* Familiarity with the space environment and its effects on RF systems (radiation, thermal, vacuum).
* Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) and software defined radio (SDR) is a plus.
* Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
* Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews, produce interface documentation, and support AIT test phases.
* Clear written and verbal communication skills in English for technical documentation and teamwork collaboration.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

James Godfrey