Microwave RF Engineer

2 days ago

Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom KDC Projects Full time

Microwave RF Engineer

KDC have a requirement for a Microwave/RF Engineer to support one of our customers within the spacecraft industry.

The role will be supporting the design, development, analysis, and qualification of advanced RF and microwave hardware for spaceborne platforms, including satellites, payloads, deep-space communication systems, and high-reliability flight hardware. This role requires deep technical expertise in high-frequency engineering, space-grade components, and radiation-aware design practices. The engineer will provide technical leadership across the full product lifecycle; from concept and architecture through design, test, integration, and mission support.

The main technical activities include:

RF/Microwave System Leadership

  • Support the architecture of RF and microwave subsystems for space missions, including transponders, LNAs, HPAs, converters, filters, antennas, and phased-array modules.
  • Define RF system-level performance requirements, and payload architecture.
  • Contribute to design reviews, provide technical input direction, and mentor junior RF engineers.

Design & Analysis

  • Design radiation-tolerant and space-qualified RF circuits and assemblies for operation in extreme environments (temperature, vacuum, radiation).
  • Perform advanced electromagnetic simulations (HFSS, CST, ADS, AWR) for components and RF chains.
  • Develop RF/microwave models, S-parameter analysis, noise figure optimization, phase-noise and linearity evaluation, and thermal/structural interaction analysis.

Testing & Qualification

  • Perform RF testing campaigns for engineering models (EM), qualification models (QM), and flight models (FM).
  • Perform space-specific testing such as thermal-vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, radiation exposure, and long-duration reliability testing.
  • Use RF laboratory equipment (VNA, spectrum analyser, signal generators, power meters) to validate performance to mission requirements.

Integration & Manufacturing

  • Collaborate with spacecraft systems, mechanical, digital, FPGA/ASIC, mission assurance, and manufacturing teams.
  • Support PCB/layout teams on high-frequency and space-reliability techniques (controlled impedance, grounding, shielding, multipaction mitigation).
  • Support payload integration, end-to-end system verification, and anomaly resolution.

Documentation & Mission Support

  • Develop detailed technical documentation including RF test plans, design reports, analyses, and compliance matrices.
  • Provide expertise during mission readiness reviews and on-orbit commissioning.
  • Ensure compliance with space industry standards (NASA, ESA, MIL-STD, ECSS).

Essential skills and experience

  • Degree or equivalent in Electrical / RF Engineering or similar, or demonstrable relevant experience in lieu thereof.
  • Strong knowledge of RF/microwave theory, S-parameters, Smith charts, transmission line theory, link analysis, and electromagnetic fundamentals.
  • Proficiency with RF simulation tools (e.g., ADS, HFSS, CST, AWR).
  • Hands-on experience with RF lab instruments and measurement techniques.
  • Strong understanding of space environment constraints (radiation, thermal cycling, vacuum effects, outgassing, multipaction, charging).

Preferable Skills:

  • Experience with space-qualified components (GaN/GaAs LNAs, TWTAs, SSPA/PA MMICs, filters, waveguides).
  • Knowledge of Ka-band, X-band, S-band, Ku-band, Q/V-band, or optical-RF hybrid systems.
  • Experience with phased-array payloads, beamforming networks, or digitally steered antennas.
  • Familiarity with SATCOM protocols, TT&C systems, or deep-space communication architectures.
  • Experience working with government agencies or prime contractors (NASA, ESA, JPL, DoD, CNES, etc.).

Essential Personal Qualities:

  • An accomplished engineer with an organised structured approach to problem solving and task completion. Capable of working on your own or within a team of engineers, you will be expected to plan and complete your allocated work on time and within budget. You will be experienced; enthusiastic; accountable and reliable.

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