RF COMM Subsystem Engineer m/f Ref. RF_27

OHB Italia is seeking for its RF&COMM team in Milano/Roma/Torino unit an

RF COMM Subsystem Engineer m/f Ref. RF_27

The RF&COMM team belongs to the “Engineering Electronics” technical area in the Operations department. Within OHB Italia operational organization, the RF&COMM team has the task to define the architecture and performances required to RF communication subsystem which is the spacecraft subsystem in charge to perform data communication from/to Earth and/or other spacecrafts. The ideal candidate has been working on the architectural design and analysis of Radio Frequency Communication subsystems, along with the definition and specification of the requirements of the elements composing the subsystem and their procurement for use on board the spacecraft platforms. Familiarity with and knowledge of the elements of the communication subsystems, i.e. antennas, receivers, transmitters, RF passive parts together with modulation formats and coding schemes is an asset. Experience with complex RF systems in the microwave frequency range in terms of design, development, analysis, manufacturing and verification in conjunction with a solid RF background are an asset. Familiarity with the space business would be an asset but it’s not mandatory. Tasks As member of the RF&COMM team, the candidate will be assigned to the role of “Technical Responsible” for the RF Communication subsystem of Space Missions under development at OHB Italia reporting to the RF&COMM Engineering Manager, with the following main tasks:  

• Architectural design, trade-off analysis, baseline configuration selection and requirements definition of Communication subsystems: Telemetry Tracking and Command, Inter Satellite Data Relay Systems and Scientific Data download to Ground (PDHT)
• Responsible for the capability of the RF subsystem design to meet the technical performance as defined at upper system level
• Establishment and maintenance of subsystem performance budget with RF performance allocation and definition of key system parameters (frequency, bandwidth, polarization, RF power, S/N, modulation format and spectral efficiency, coding scheme, data rate)
• Antenna Coverage analysis with Radiation Pattern simulation model
• TM/TC and Payload Data Link Budget definition and analysis with contribution to S/C budgets
• Support/manage technical meetings and reviews with the Customer and with the Suppliers
• Lead and coordinate the technical project tasks for the development of the subsystem with the objective to achieve the technical performance within the budget and cost/schedule constraints defined by the Project Manager
• Establish and maintain the technical baseline over the full project life cycle, from design to in-orbit support
• Support the system engineering team in the definition of the mechanical, thermal, electrical and EMC design features and interfaces impacting the satellite
• Definition and specification of the electrical and communication interfaces between Communications Subsystem and Data Handling Subsystem
• Subsystem requirements flow down and specification of the lower tier equipment with selection of best HW candidates: antennas, transponders/transceivers, radio frequency distribution networks, interconnecting waveguides and cables, TWTA, SSPA and RF switches, with generation of the relevant technical requirements specification documents (requirements management by IBM Rationale Doors® tool)
• Technical support to the Procurement of Communications subsystem units following subcontractor technical activities
• Definition and implementation of the development and verification approach and relevant documentation
• Support the project AIT team in the definition and execution of the integration and verification activities with system avionics producing relevant test plan and procedures
• Definition and specification of protocols for Ground communication and definition of Data Volume transfer

Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Telecommunication Engineering, Electronics or comparable qualification with solid foundations in communication theory, electromagnetics, antennas and microwave equipment
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in RF Communication subsystems design
• Experience on digital communication techniques: modulation schemes, error correction coding, characterization of communication links with knowledge of CCSDS standards
• Experience in the development and validation of RF & data transmission subsystems up to Ka-band and knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies relevant to RF Communication subsystems
• General background experience in RF and Microwave systems design, integration and test from equipment level to system level
• Good knowledge of simulation tools for antenna-based systems (TICRA, FEKO)
• Practice and familiarity with RF test equipment (VNA calibration and measurements, Signal Analysers, Signal Generators and BER Analysers)
• Good communication, cooperation and organization skills
• Personal attitude to team working and capable to work under pressure with tight planning
• Good analytical and system-oriented thinking skill and capable to manage multitasking
• Willingness to take responsibility and awareness for costs and schedule
• Available to business travels in Europe (up to one/two per month)
• Fluent in spoken and written English (must be able to read and write complex documents and to discuss and negotiate with international partners, including English native speakers)
• Knowledge of Italian is preferable but not mandatory

Nice to have Qualifications

• Familiarity with space standards (ECSS, NASA)
• Knowledge of Analysis and Modelling tools (MATLAB/Simulink)
• Digital Signal Processing and Software-Defined Radio