KDC Group Services Ltd
Senior Product Development Engineer
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Senior RF Communications Product Manager
This is a senior role that spans both product and project management boundaries. The post-holder is ultimately responsible for ensuring that RF products under development achieve full qualification OTOCOQ (On Time, On Cost, On Quality). Specifications and requirements are owned and provided by the Lead RF Communications Architect; the successful candidate will drive the technical, industrial and programme delivery of those products through the development lifecycle.
The role requires a high-calibre engineer who can operate at the intersection of RF/systems engineering, product development, supplier management and project leadership within a spacecraft systems environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the product development and qualification of RF communications products, ensuring delivery to the defined specification, schedule, cost and quality targets (OTOCOQ).
- Act as the primary technical and programme interface with product suppliers, managing technical performance, development progress, risks and issues.
- Own and drive the product development plan, including schedule, cost, risk, and reporting.
- Conduct and support technical analyses, design reviews, and formal qualification activities.
- Manage quality and product assurance activities, including APQP, NRB/NCR, RFD/RFW processes.
- Provide contract and commercial oversight in support of supplier agreements and variations.
- Maintain close supplier proximity and support supplier development activities.
- Liaise regularly with stakeholders; the RF Comms Lead Architect, Industrial Manager, and wider stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely delivery of work-package outputs.
- Support post-CDR activities if required (potential continuation).
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Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong technical background in RF communications and systems engineering (space/spacecraft domain preferred).
- DOORS (Requirement definition, verification and validation pro)
- Proven product/project management experience on complex development programmes, with demonstrated ownership of OTOCOQ delivery.
- Experience managing supplier technical interfaces and industrial relationships.
Supporting
- Quality & Product Assurance (APQP, NRB/NCR, RFD/RFW).
- Contract and commercial management awareness.
- Supplier development and proximity management.
- Ability to operate effectively in a matrix environment while remaining accountable for end-to-end product qualification.
- MATLAB / EXCEL
- JIRA / Confluence
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Desirable
- Previous experience on Airbus Defence & Space or similar satellite/spacecraft RF communications programmes. GRASP - Antenna design
- Familiarity with space qualification standards and processes.
- Experience supporting programmes beyond CDR. Into detailed design phase followed by supplier management CfT Process support, and potentially qualification.
- Eclipse (ESA Platform).
Experience level
- Deep technical expertise in RF communications and systems engineering.
- Experience in space / satellite comms / system engineering.
- Proven ability to lead complex product development programmes to successful qualification
- Strong supplier management and industrial interface skills
- Solid grasp of quality processes (APQP, NRB/NCR, RFD/RFW) and commercial awareness
- Confidence operating at the intersection of engineering, project and product management
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