Practicus
Senior AIT RF Communications Engineer
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Senior AIT RF Communications Payload Engineer | Space Sector 🚀
📍 Harwell or Stevenage | 4 days on-site
🛰️ Permanent Role
🔧 The Role
A leading organisation within the space sector is seeking a Senior AIT RF Communications Payload Engineer to support the development and delivery of advanced space systems.
Working as part of a growing engineering team, you will play a key role in ensuring products meet stringent quality and reliability requirements throughout the entire development lifecycle. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, and Project teams to drive RF payload integration from initial assembly through to final delivery, helping ensure products can operate reliably in some of the world's most demanding environments.
💡 Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for leading RF payload integration and RF verification activities, including link budget validation and RF chain characterisation
- Conduct functional, performance, and end-to-end payload testing to verify hardware interfaces and redundancy systems
- Support environmental test campaigns including TVAC, vibration, acoustics, EMC/EMI, and shock testing
- Specify, commission, and maintain Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) while producing clear technical specifications and test procedures
- Identify root cause issues during integration, using Python for test automation and data analysis to provide robust solutions
- Present technical data clearly to senior leadership and external customers/agencies (e.g. ESA, UK Space Agency), while proactively mentoring junior engineers across the team
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
🧠 What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in RF payloads, satellite communications, aerospace, defence, or telecommunications - including leading integration and test campaigns
- Strong understanding of RF communication systems and satellite communication architectures
- Hands-on experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators, noise figure analysers, and RF switching systems
- Proficiency using both Linux and Windows environments, alongside Python for automated test scripting and data analysis
- Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
⭐ Desirable Experience
- Experience across GEO, MEO, or LEO satellite programmes or spacecraft-level AIT campaigns
- Exposure to Ka-band, Ku-band, or X-band payloads
- Knowledge of digital transparent processors (DTP), regenerative payloads, or software-defined payload architectures
- Experience with active phased array antennas
- Knowledge of or familiarity with space industry standards such as ECSS is advantageous
🔒 Security Vetting Note
Compliance: Please note successful candidates will be required to undergo BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening, including right-to-work, identity, criminal record, and a minimum of 3 years of employment history checks, as part of the onboarding process.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location