RF Communications Architect

We are seeking an experienced RF Communications Architect to lead the definition, design, analysis, and delivery of spacecraft RF communication systems within a complex space programme environment. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will act as the focal point for all RF communications activities, ensuring subsystem requirements, architecture, equipment procurement, design justification, and verification activities are delivered in line with programme milestones.

This role requires strong technical leadership, systems engineering expertise, supplier management experience, and a solid understanding of spaceborne RF communication architectures across the full project lifecycle.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all RF communications activities across the spacecraft programme.
• Report technical progress, issues, risks, and opportunities to the Electrical Lead Architect and Chief Engineer.
• Act as the primary RF communications point of contact for customer and stakeholder interactions.
• Support system-level architecture definition and RF subsystem integration activities.
• Define and manage RF-related Key Interface Data (KID) between spacecraft subsystems.
• Analyse, interpret, and consolidate RF requirements from system-level specifications.
• Develop and maintain RF subsystem requirement specifications.
• Produce technical notes and design justification documentation supporting architectural decisions.
• Perform RF analyses to validate and substantiate baseline design solutions.
• Support the development and maintenance of:
  • Design Descriptions
  • Design Verification Plans
  • Interface Control Documentation
  • RF Control Plans
  • EMC compliance documentation
  • RF Engineering Analysis
• Generate and update RF link budgets throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Perform subsystem performance assessments and verification activities.
• Support insertion loss analysis and antenna feed network optimisation.
• Ensure RF design decisions are supported by documented analysis and verification evidence.
• Contribute to spacecraft accommodation studies and antenna installation activities.
• Support RF equipment procurement activities including Request for Proposal (RFP) generation and technical evaluations.
• Participate in technical evaluation boards and supplier selection processes.
• Support contract management activities through to equipment delivery.
• Work closely with procurement and quality teams to ensure supplier performance and technical compliance.
• Support programme design reviews, including:
  • System Requirements Reviews (SRR)
  • Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR)
  • Subsequent project milestones
• Prepare RF documentation packages and review inputs.
• Respond to review item discrepancies and technical action requests.
• Participate in project review meetings and stakeholder workshops.
• Contribute to risk identification, mitigation planning, and opportunity management.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Spacecraft RF communications system architecture and design.
• RF subsystem specification development and requirements management.
• Link budget analysis and communication system performance modelling.
• Antenna systems and RF distribution networks.
• Systems engineering methodologies and verification processes.
• Design review preparation and technical presentation skills.
• Supplier technical management and procurement support.
• Technical documentation, reporting, and requirement traceability.
• Risk and opportunity management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Technical Knowledge:

• S-Band communication systems.
• X-Band communication systems.
• Space-to-ground communication architectures.
• RF performance analysis and verification techniques.
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) considerations.
• Interface management and system integration.
• Spacecraft electrical architectures.
• Design verification and validation processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to lead technical discussions and influence design decisions.

Behaviours and Attitude:

• Collaborative team player capable of working across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Organised and detail-oriented approach to engineering delivery.
• Comfortable operating within complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience managing technical risks and delivering engineering work packages.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) would be advantageous.

With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions.

SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.

Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.

True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work, having been certified 5 years running.

Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.

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