(Senior) Engineer, UHF Payload Systems, IRIS2

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

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

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 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)

Key Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of:
  • 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

Key Personal Attributes

• 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