Jobs / engineering
Satellite RF Hardware & Operations Engineer
Dawn Aerospace · Delft
About the role
Description
We are seeking an experienced RF Hardware & Operations Manager to lead the design, deployment, and operation of RF systems across our ground infrastructure. This role owns both hands-on RF hardware and operational oversight of in-house and third-party ground stations, ensuring reliable performance across multiple frequency bands and radar systems. The ideal candidate combines deep technical RF expertise with strong operational and regulatory experience.
Responsibilities
- RF Hardware & Systems
- Lead the design, integration, and lifecycle management of RF hardware systems
- Own RF systems across UHF, S-band, L-band, and Ka-band, including communications and radar applications
- Specify, procure, and integrate flight-proven COTS components
- Support radar systems operating in relevant bands, including performance optimization and troubleshooting
- Ground Station Operations
- Manage in-house ground station infrastructure from installation through ongoing operations
- Coordinate with and oversee third-party ground station providers, ensuring service quality, availability, and compliance
- Define operational procedures, monitoring, and maintenance strategies for RF assets
- Act as the technical point of contact for RF-related operational issues
- RF Testing & Validation
- Plan and execute RF operational testing, validation, and verification activities
- Plan and execute EMI characterization and compliance testing
- Perform link budget analysis, interference analysis, and performance characterization
- Ensure systems meet internal requirements and external regulatory standards
- Regulatory & Spectrum Management
- Lead or support ITU filings and spectrum coordination, including collaboration with external partners (e.g., TU Delft)
- Maintain awareness of international and regional RF regulations
- Ensure compliance with licensing, coordination agreements, and spectrum usage requirements
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Work closely with systems engineering, flight operations, software, and mission teams
- Translate mission and operational needs into RF system requirements
- Support long-term RF and ground infrastructure roadmap planning
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field
- Strong hands-on experience with RF systems across multiple frequency bands (UHF through Ka-band)
- Experience managing or operating ground stations (satellite or radar preferred)
- Proven background in RF testing, validation, and troubleshooting
- Familiarity with ITU processes, spectrum filing, and regulatory coordination
Desired Experience
- Experience working with or managing third-party ground station networks
- Experience in satellite communications or space-related programs
Key Skills
- RF system design and analysis
- Ground station operations and reliability
- Spectrum management and regulatory compliance
- Vendor and partner coordination
- Strong documentation and communication skills
Note that the role is a permanent position that will start with a fixed-term contract of 12 months.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Dawn Aerospace, we believe that diverse teams build better solutions. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued and supported to do their best work.
About Dawn Aerospace
Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company with a purpose.
Our mission is to enable the next generation of space users by providing more sustainable and scalable ways to access and move around in space. We believe this access, in the form of a transportation network, will fundamentally change what’s possible from space. We currently focus on three areas of space transportation:
- In-space propulsion
We're a leading supplier of turnkey green propulsion systems for various classes of satellites. Our systems utilise safe, accessible propellants and we have over 170 of these propulsion units on more than 40 operational satellites already. A further 200 units are in production. - In-space servicing
Coupled with our propulsion expertise, we are ensuring that our customers' satellites are refuellable. In the coming years, Dawn will offer a refueling service to enable life extension of customer satellites. This new market is aligned with our sustainability goal to ensue a clean and safe space for everyone! - Spaceplane
We are developing the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever to take off from a runway, combining the extreme performance of rocket propulsion with the reusability of conventional airplanes to enable high-frequency, low-cost access to sub-orbital space.
Our international teams are distributed across four locations: the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the USA.
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