Systems Test Engineer

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We are looking for a Senior RF Systems Engineer to join our team and help us continue to develop and expand our successful satellite ground networks

Working closely with the rest of the Ground Systems Engineering team, and with key stakeholders in Operations RF engineering, the Senior RF Systems Engineer will lead the scoping of the RFS (radio frequency subsystem) and antenna development efforts for all ground programmes, including national gateways in support of market access requirements. This will include contributing to system architecture and specification efforts, and deriving detailed requirements for the RF/antenna systems, leading technical procurement efforts with leading industrial partners, and leading delivery programmes through the detailed design phase. The role requires working knowledge of RF and antenna systems, to provide expertise in this area company wide for all programmes requiring engineering input in this area.

The role sits within the Ground Systems engineering team within Global Space Networks, with the team also being responsible for leading system definition work for Ka band radio access networks that interface directly to the RFS/antenna systems. The role therefore also requires development of detailed knowledge of these complementary systems to ensure consistency across the full ground segment, including with the Radio Resource Management team and Systems Architecture group for L band programmes.

• From the high-level architecture produced within GSN, for post Gate 2 programs, lead the development of detailed requirements and negotiate with the various suppliers the development/procurement of the RFS and Antenna systems, ensuring specifications are consistent with overall architectural needs
• Maintain detailed knowledge of industry trends and developments regarding the "state of the art" in RF systems and antennas, and use this knowledge to influence Viasat's procurement/development strategy for future ground segment programmes, maximising performance vs cost
• Provide detailed RF engineering expertise across the company as needed in support of programmes including IOT, TT&C, and as required for new initiatives including Moonlight
• Lead simulation/modelling activities that will determine the risks/benefits of the various candidate solutions, collaborating with peer groups in Systems Architecture and Networks Engineering
• With RAN engineering colleagues, lead the integration efforts between RAN and RFS systems for all Inmarsat ground programmes
• Report progress and deliver to the Technical Delivery programme manager for each programme the above validated and site deployed RFS and antenna systems as per agreed budget, timeline and specs

Work to maximise commonality between our various RFS and antenna systems (Ka-band, L-band)

• 5+ years relevant practical experience in radio frequency systems as applied to satellite communications, including system design and specification responsibilities
• First Degree or equivalent in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computing Science or related technical discipline
• Good background knowledge of key technology areas:

o Antenna systems and technologies

o Radio Frequency Systems and technologies

o Satellite ground network technology and architecture

o Radio propagation models

o Modulation and Coding

o Mobile satellite communications and VSAT systems

o Communications link budgets

• Ability to lead technical exchanges with vendors to deliver against agreed designs
• Ability to drive internal cross department teams to agree on technology choices and strategies in support of Inmarsat ground segment programmes in line with programme schedules/budgets
• Track record in creating reports/presentations of recommended approaches to CTO/COO senior managment
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment, able to balance multiple projects and tasks, complete them successfully, and within timelines
• Good oral and written communication skills in English

• Practical knowledge of an existing deployed Ka band satellite ground network technology (e.g. Viasat, iDirect, Newtec, Gilat, Hughes), including configuration and troubleshooting
• Knowledge of terrestrial mobile network design and operation
• Working knowledge of methods used in test and verification of RF systems
• Knowledge of programming/scripting languages to enable modelling of problems
• The ability to lead trade studies and architect innovative solutions to difficult technical problem

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.