Senior Principal Engineer (Active Antenna Subsystem) - Aerospace and Defence

Are you ready to help power global connectivity from space and be part of a company that’s defining the future of satellite communications?

Join a world-leading satellite and space solutions provider with a rich legacy of innovation spanning decades and a newly strengthened global position following its strategic acquisition of another major industry player, operating one of the most advanced multi-orbit networks with over 100 satellites that connect over 99 percent of the world’s population; trusted by multiple government organisations, mobile network operators, and commercial airlines, celebrated for delivering high-quality video, broadband, mobility and defence communications, and recognised for pioneering industry firsts from direct-to-home broadcasting to cutting-edge low-latency Medium Earth Orbit services.

Apply now to join a team at the forefront of space-enabled innovation and achieve transformational outcomes across land, sea and air!

Responsibilities:

• Subsystem Ownership: Act as the technical lead for active antenna elements, defining interfaces and managing performance budgets (EIRP, G/T, gain).
• Hardware Qualification: Oversee the space-grade qualification of RF front-ends, radiating apertures, and high-speed digital ASICs.
• Supplier & Technical Alignment: Lead technical reviews with subcontractors to ensure mission-critical components meet schedule and quality standards.
• Integration & Test (AIT): Support payload-level testing and troubleshoot functional issues during assembly and in-orbit testing phases.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with thermal, mechanical, and systems teams to optimize hardware resilience against radiation, thermal, and EMC constraints.
• Performance Reporting: Provide technical assurance and regular reporting on subsystem risks, performance, and trade-offs.

Required Skills

• Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical/Computer Engineering or a related field.
• Industry Tenure: 10+ years of experience in electronic equipment design, specifically for the space sector or high-frequency electronics.
• RF & Phased Array Expertise: Deep knowledge of space-qualified RF chains, Direct Radiating Antennas (DRA), and active antenna systems.
• Space Environment Proficiency: Proven ability to qualify hardware for harsh environments (WCA, derating, radiation, and thermal analysis).
• Leadership & Security: Strong ownership mindset with the eligibility to obtain "SECRET" level security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with digital beamforming architectures and high-speed SERDES integration.
• Experience in "internalizing" manufacturing processes or transitioning from partner-led to proprietary integration.
• Prior experience with international supplier oversight and technical auditing.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: Flexible onsite presence (minimum three days per week at the integration facility).
• Global Exposure: Occasional international travel for project execution and supplier management.
• Technical Sovereignty: Be at the forefront of a programme focused on proprietary technology and internal manufacturing excellence.

Salary: 

• €100,000-150,000