Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer

Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on… The Satcom team is responsible for the design, delivery and performance of Open Cosmos’ satellite communications services, spanning the space segment, ground infrastructure and global connectivity. We now require a Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer to join the team. What will you be doing? As a Senior Antenna and RF Payload Engineer, you’ll lead the modelling, specification, and validation of antenna and RF payload systems across both satellite payloads and user terminals. You’ll play a key role in translating high-level mission and service requirements into robust, high-performance hardware designs ready for deployment in demanding operational environments. You will: Lead antenna and RF payload design activities across phased arrays, reflectors, and beamforming systems Define and validate electromagnetic simulations to optimise antenna and RF performance Support beam steering, coverage optimisation, and spectral compliance across satellite constellations Define technical specifications and interface requirements for RF modules and payload subsystems Govern frequency planning, signal integrity, and linearity requirements across RF chains Perform cascade analysis to optimise gain, noise figure, and overall link performance Support radiometric modelling and PFD analysis to ensure regulatory compliance Lead prototyping and hardware validation activities including OTA testing and engineering model development Define and oversee qualification activities including vibration, TVAC, and radiation testing Work closely with system architects, RF engineers, hardware teams, and spectrum specialists to deliver integrated solutions What You’ll bring Strong understanding of antenna theory and RF system design including phased arrays, reflectors, and beamforming techniques Capability in electromagnetic modelling and simulation using tools such as CST, HFSS, ADS, or similar Strong knowledge of antenna performance metrics including gain, axial ratio, cross-polarisation, and radiation pattern optimisation Understanding of RF front-end architectures including amplifiers, converters, filters, and frequency planning Knowledge of signal integrity and linearity considerations including P1dB, OIP3, and spectral purity Capability in cascade analysis for gain, noise figure, and G/T optimisation across RF systems Understanding of radiometric analysis and Power Flux Density (PFD) modelling for regulatory compliance Familiarity with prototyping and RF validation activities including OTA testing and anechoic chamber measurements Awareness of environmental qualification processes including vibration, thermal-vacuum (TVAC), and radiation testing Knowledge of satellite communication standards and regulatory frameworks including DVB-S2X, 5G NTN, and ITU constraints A structured and analytical approach to problem-solving with strong focus on performance, reliability, and manufacturability This role will be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. When applying, please submit your CV in English. Why Open Cosmos? Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team Division CRO Department SATCOM (Broadband and Narrowband) Locations Harwell, UK, Athens, Greece, Barcelona, Spain, Porto, Portugal Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time About Open Cosmos Open Cosmos is dedicated to solving customer problems with insights from space. Whether this is monitoring agricultural yields, assessing the damage of oil spills or providing navigation solutions, we believe that data from satellites is the most effective and sustainable way of achieving this.