Radio Frequency Subsystem Designer

Overview

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators) therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

Role

We are looking for a Senior Radio Frequency Subsystem Designer. The Radio Frequency (RF) subsystem is the spacecraft subsystem in charge to manage data communications from/to Earth and/or other spacecrafts. It also supports the spacecraft’s ranging and tracking functions as well as Radio Science Experiments.

Assignments

The candidate will immediately be assigned to one of the following roles:

• Technical responsible for the TT&C communications subsystem of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission (RFM). RFM will be required to communicate with the Ground Segment on Earth from Deep Space throughout all mission phases.
• Technical responsible for the communications subsystem of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). LISA is a constellation composed of three identical sciencecraft that will be capable to detect gravitational waves with unprecedented performance.
• Technical responsible for the communications subsystem of the Deep Space Platform study that will contribute to the relay communication infrastructure around Mars.

Key duties

• Specification and design of Radio Frequency Subsystems (Telemetry Tracking and Command, Planetary Communications, Interplanetary Data Relay Systems) and of the needed units (Transponder, Antennas, RFDN, Cables, TWTA, SSPA, Switches)
• Specification and design of electrical and communication interfaces between Communications Subsystem and Data Handling Subsystem
• Specification and design of protocols for Ground communication and definition of Link Budgets and Data Volume
• Procurement of Communications subsystem and its units following subcontractor technical activities
• Support to Communications subsystem integration and test (AIT) with system avionics
• Support technical meetings and reviews with the Customer

Skills, experience and qualifications

• Master’s degree in Telecommunication Engineering or Master degree in electronic Engineering or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering with focus on telecommunication.
• At least 3 years of experience in RF Subsystems design or testing at subsystem or at unit level (Transponder, Antennas, etc.) and technical knowledge in the following areas:
• Capacity to perform analysis of S/C to Ground communication scenarios and synthesis of adequate RF subsystem architecture
• Knowledge of Analysis and Modeling tools (Matlab/Simulink, FECO, STK, etc.)
• Knowledge of ECSS CCSDS standards relevant to Communications systems
• Knowledge of space-qualified components used in the TT&C units (Memories, FPGA, ADC, DAC, etc.)
• Knowledge of specification’s configuration control tools (DOORS)
• Knowledge of Structured Programming techniques and relevant programming languages (C, C++, Python) is appreciated
• Proficient knowledge of English is required
• Availability to work abroad for short periods of time
• Ability to work with people with different cultures
• Ability to present and discuss solutions and results in front of the Customer

At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here, apply now!