Darwin Space are supporting a well-established European space systems company on an ESA instrument programme. The team is responsible for the microwave electromagnetic section of the instrument and needs an experienced RF / Microwave Engineer to support the programme during a 9-month cover period.

This is an on-site role, working close to the hardware and suppliers, with responsibility at instrument level.

The role

You’ll be part of the RF system engineering team, supporting the design, coordination and technical follow-up of RF and microwave equipment used within a spaceborne instrument.

Day-to-day, you’ll:

• Support RF system engineering activities at instrument level

• Act as a technical interface with equipment and subsystem suppliers

• Coordinate RF-related work across internal teams, suppliers and customers

• Take part in technical meetings, progress reviews and design reviews

• Work closely with mechanical, thermal, electrical, procurement and AIT teams during development

• Review RF designs, challenge assumptions and help resolve technical issues

• Identify risks and help define the technical way forward in a complex programme environment

What we’re looking for

• Strong background in RF, microwave and millimetre-wave engineering

• Hands-on experience designing and developing high-frequency systems or equipment

• Good understanding of integration, test and verification activities

• Experience with low-noise, high-stability receiver design, including noise performance, active devices and RF architectures

• Practical knowledge of radiometer-type RF hardware, including waveguides, filters and other passive components

• Comfortable using RF CAD and simulation tools

• Confident, practical engineer who is happy to question designs and suggest improvements

• Able to take technical ownership within a multi-disciplinary engineering team

Nice to have

• Previous experience on space projects

• Exposure to ESA programmes or standards (helpful but not essential)

Contract details

• Contract length: 9 months (cover contract)

• Location: Italy

• On-site work required

• Working on a live ESA instrument programme with responsibility for the microwave electromagnetic section

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Alfie Walters