RF Communications Architect
Groupe SIIHertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Added 22 Aug · still live
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£47,600
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
Our predicted code SOC 2451 (61% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £47,600, and Groupe SII is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the published rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced RF Communications Architect to lead the definition, design, analysis, and delivery of spacecraft RF communication systems within a complex space programme environment. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will act as the focal point for all RF communications activities, ensuring subsystem requirements, architecture, equipment procurement, design justification, and verification activities are delivered in line with programme milestones.
This role requires strong technical leadership, systems engineering expertise, supplier management experience, and a solid understanding of spaceborne RF communication architectures across the full project lifecycle.
Responsibilities
This role requires strong technical leadership, systems engineering expertise, supplier management experience, and a solid understanding of spaceborne RF communication architectures across the full project lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Lead all RF communications activities across the spacecraft programme.
- Report technical progress, issues, risks, and opportunities to the Electrical Lead Architect and Chief Engineer.
- Act as the primary RF communications point of contact for customer and stakeholder interactions.
- Support system-level architecture definition and RF subsystem integration activities.
- Define and manage RF-related Key Interface Data (KID) between spacecraft subsystems.
- Analyse, interpret, and consolidate RF requirements from system-level specifications.
- Develop and maintain RF subsystem requirement specifications.
- Produce technical notes and design justification documentation supporting architectural decisions.
- Perform RF analyses to validate and substantiate baseline design solutions.
- Support the development and maintenance of:
- Design Descriptions
- Design Verification Plans
- Interface Control Documentation
- RF Control Plans
- EMC compliance documentation
- RF Engineering Analysis
- Generate and update RF link budgets throughout the programme lifecycle.
- Perform subsystem performance assessments and verification activities.
- Spacecraft RF communications system architecture and design.
- RF subsystem specification development and requirements management.
- Link budget analysis and communication system performance modelling.
- Antenna systems and RF distribution networks.
- Systems engineering methodologies and verification processes.
- Design review preparation and technical presentation skills.
- Supplier technical management and procurement support.
- Technical documentation, reporting, and requirement traceability.
- Risk and opportunity management.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- S-Band communication systems.
- X-Band communication systems.
- Space-to-ground communication architectures.
- Collaborative team player capable of working across multiple engineering disciplines.
- Organised and detail-oriented approach to engineering delivery.
- Comfortable operating within complex stakeholder environments.
- Experience managing technical risks and delivering engineering work packages.
- Degree in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
- Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) would be advantageous.
SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.
Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.
True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.
Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.
Who are we?
With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions.
SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.
Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.
True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.
Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.
SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.
Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.
True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.
Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Groupe SII, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2451 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~30k in sampleP25 £37kP75 £55k
£33kmedian £47kgoing rate £48k£55k
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About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Groupe SII holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2451 going rate of £47,600. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.