Senior RF Systems Engineer

  • Location: Ottawa, Ontario
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #34799

Senior RF Systems Engineering Specialist – Satellite Communications

This role requires deep technical expertise in satellite RF communications, with a strong focus on physical layer and Layer 2 system design. A solid working knowledge of Layer 3 and higher protocols is also expected. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience with DVB-S2, DVB-S2X, and DVB-RCS2 standards, along with a strong foundation in RF and digital communications theory.

You will have hands-on experience with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) techniques and a strong understanding of modern antenna technologies, including active and phased array systems. This includes digital beamforming, rapid beam hopping, and antenna performance modelling. The role operates within a systems engineering framework, requiring familiarity with requirements management and the full lifecycle from concept through verification.

Key Responsibilities

  • Analyze and review RF link budgets, conduct system-level trade studies, and model signal impairments to evaluate overall communications performance.

  • Collaborate closely with system architects, RF, antenna, and earth station engineers to allocate functionality between hardware and software while optimizing system performance.

  • Develop and maintain high-level requirements and specifications for RF links, RF subsystems, and antenna systems, including managing requirement updates as designs evolve.

  • Define, review, and assess test plans, procedures, and results to verify compliance with system specifications.

  • Perform system performance characterization and analysis, maintaining detailed performance budgets for assigned system elements.

  • Provide technical expertise in support of regulatory, spectrum coordination, and market access activities.

  • Mentor junior engineers and serve as a technical resource for team members with developing domain expertise.

  • Prepare and deliver technical presentations to internal and external engineering audiences as required.

Education and Experience

  • Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field, with a focus on RF, antenna and microwave engineering, digital communications, or digital signal processing.

  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience performing system-level RF or satellite communications engineering.

  • Proven experience with digital communication systems, including spread-spectrum and single- and multi-carrier architectures.

  • Strong background in modulation schemes such as PSK, APSK, and QAM.

  • Direct experience with DVB-S2X, DVB-RCS2, and Adaptive Coding and Modulation techniques.

  • Demonstrated capability in modelling RF communication systems using advanced tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent environments.

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong collaborator who performs effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

  • High standards for technical quality, accuracy, and documentation.

  • Capable of managing multiple complex technical challenges concurrently.

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    Salary Range – $110,000 – $140,000

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