Engineer, UHF Payload Systems

We are seeking a Senior UHF Payload Systems Engineer to lead the technical definition, de-risking, and validation of UHF services hosted on MEO satellites within the IRIS² programme.

Within the IRIS² MEO Space Segment team, the incumbent will contribute to the definition of the end-to-end MEO UHF service architecture by developing space segment technical specifications as well as satcom system analyses for the end-to-end service. The incumbent will collaborate to define the derisking activities with the selected supplier and monitor the derisking roadmap execution.

The position requires a strong system engineering mindset, combining RF and satcom expertise with experience in satellite payload design and testing, ideally in UHF satcom systems.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Contribute to the definition of the end-to-end MEO UHF service architecture

• Translate UHF mission and service requirements into system and payload-level specifications accounting for satellite constellation constraints

• Contribute to design trade-offs (coverage, power, SWaP, performance) and payload architecture

• Perform system-level performance analyses for UHF services

• Define interfaces with spacecraft platform, main payload, user ground segment and mission control segment

• Interface with payload providers, terminal vendors, and subsystem suppliers for statement of work negotiation, technical specifications and test plans

• Define and support integration, verification, and validation (IVV) activities for UHF services (unit-level testing, payload AIT, IOT)

• Contribute to development of simulation tools and digital twins for payload performance and IVV

• Master's degree or PhD in Telecommunications, RF Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in satellite communications, with strong focus on UHF payloads or satcom services
• Proven experience with:

• UHF satcom system development and/or deployment (highly desirable)
• RF system design, link budget analysis, and antenna systems
• Satellite payload integration and system engineering
• Simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python, RF tools), + Satellite link budgets and propagation effects
• Mobility, Doppler, and NGSO system behaviours

• Knowledge of UHF satcom systems and waveforms, e.g. STANAG 4681, MIL-STD-188, * Strong creative engineering mindset
• Excellent stakeholder management across multi-partner environments
• Structured, analytical, and solution-oriented approach

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• The candidate must be eligible for a "SECRET" security clearance, in accordance with the national regulations as well as EU/ESA/NATO equivalents
• Willing to work 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposes