Subsystem Engineer – Satellite Communications Systems

Location: This role would require relocation to Bremen (Germany)

Salary: 60-80k€

About the Company

Our client is a leading European space and aerospace technology group developing advanced satellite systems, ground infrastructure, and mission-critical technologies for institutional, commercial, and defence customers.

The company contributes to major European and international space programs across satellite platforms, communications systems, ground stations, Earth observation, exploration, and secure space infrastructure.

Its engineering teams work on technically demanding missions where RF performance, system reliability, precise integration, and successful in-orbit operations are critical.

The Role

We are looking for a Subsystem Engineer – Satellite Communications Systems to join a specialist communications engineering team in Germany.

In this role, you will take technical responsibility for key elements of the satellite communications subsystem, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) and Payload Data Downlink.

You will contribute to the definition, design, development, and verification of communication architectures across the full project lifecycle — from early system design and supplier coordination through Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT), satellite testing, Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), and In-Orbit Testing (IOT).

Working with internal engineering teams, customers, suppliers, and international partners, you will help ensure that complex satellite communication systems meet demanding technical and operational requirements.

Your Responsibilities

• Take technical responsibility for satellite communication subsystems, including TT&C and Payload Data Downlink
• Define, design, and develop communication system architectures according to system, integration, verification, and testing requirements
• Perform and coordinate technical analyses, including RF link budgets, performance assessments, and interface analyses
• Design and review reflector antenna systems and complex satellite communication architectures
• Design, simulate, and support laboratory implementation of complex RF transmit and receive chains
• Prepare and maintain system specifications, subsystem requirements, and technical documentation
• Coordinate technical activities with project teams, customers, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders
• Provide technical management and oversight of suppliers and subcontractors responsible for subsystem equipment and components
• Collaborate with external partners on component selection and new technology developments
• Support Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities at subsystem and system level
• Participate in commissioning and testing activities at facilities and ground stations worldwide
• Support satellite testing, LEOP activities, and In-Orbit Testing
• Review system designs related to satellite communications
• Support system automation as well as electrical design and commissioning activities together with specialist engineering teams
• Contribute technical expertise to proposals, feasibility studies, and technology development activities

Your Profile

• Completed degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Communications Engineering, RF Engineering, or a comparable technical discipline
• Initial professional engineering experience is required, ideally within the space or aerospace sector
• Strong understanding of satellite communications, telecommunications, or RF/high-frequency engineering
• Experience with RF measurement equipment and high-frequency measurement techniques
• Ability to understand and work with complex communication architectures and technical interfaces
• Experience with scripting or engineering tools such as MATLAB and/or Python is desirable
• Experience interpreting electrical circuit diagrams and schematics is an advantage
• Structured and analytical way of working combined with a practical, hands-on engineering mindset
• Ability to independently manage priorities and responsibilities during periods of high workload
• Confident and professional approach to technical discussions and conflict situations
• Proactive communication style and willingness to take ownership of technical topics
• Strong team-working skills and interest in working within a multicultural engineering environment
• Fluent English
• German language skills are an advantage but not mandatory
• Willingness to travel internationally for commissioning activities, satellite testing, and ground-station testing

What’s Offered

• Opportunity to work on advanced European and international satellite programs, including both commercial and security-related projects
• Technical ownership of critical satellite communication subsystems
• Exposure to the complete satellite lifecycle, from system architecture and RF design through integration, testing, launch, and early-orbit operations
• Hands-on work with antennas, RF communication chains, satellite test environments, and ground stations
• Collaboration with experienced multidisciplinary and multicultural engineering teams
• Opportunity to work directly with international customers, partners, suppliers, and subcontractors
• International travel typically around 1–2 times per year, depending on project requirements
• Hybrid working model with up to approximately 40% home office
• Long-term career opportunities within a highly technical European space environment
• Please note that due to the nature of certain projects, a security clearance/background screening may be required