RF Systems Communications Engineer

We are seeking an RF System Communications Engineer to lead the development and delivery of RF Communications products within a complex Aerospace programme. This person shall be responsible for product performance, supplier management, cost, schedule, risk, quality, and successful delivery throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead RF Communications product development from design through qualification and delivery.
• Manage product cost, schedule, quality, risk, and technical performance.
• Act as the primary interface between engineering teams, programme stakeholders, and suppliers.
• Lead technical reviews, product governance, and development milestones.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, system requirements, and engineering standards.
• Review and approve technical documentation, specifications, verification plans, and test results.
• Perform and oversee RF analyses including link budgets, data volume assessments, and communications performance analysis.
• Manage supplier performance, contracts, change requests, and delivery schedules.
• Lead non-conformance, quality, and product assurance activities.
• Support production, integration, testing, and acceptance activities.
• Prepare and deliver documentation packages for major programme reviews.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of RF communications systems and spacecraft communications architectures.
• Experience with RF equipment, antennas, communications payloads, and associated subsystem hardware.
• Knowledge of:
• Link budget analysis
• RF performance analysis
• Communications subsystem design
• Verification and validation processes
• System engineering methodologies
• Ability to review and approve technical specifications, interface documents, and verification plans.
• Familiarity with qualification, environmental testing, and production readiness reviews.
• Programme & Product Management Skills:
• Product ownership and lifecycle management experience.
• Risk and opportunity management.
• Schedule and cost management.
• Supplier management and performance monitoring.
• Change control and configuration management.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Capability to work within complex, multidisciplinary engineering environments.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with spacecraft or satellite communications subsystems.
• Knowledge of antenna systems and RF equipment development.
• Experience working within highly regulated engineering programmes.
• Understanding of manufacturing, integration, and test activities.
• Familiarity with APQP processes and development assurance standards.
• Experience supporting system-level design reviews and customer data package submissions.

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.

Who are we?

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.