Senior RF Architect

Toulouse, France

Job Type

Full Time

About the Company

Established in 2017, Infinite Orbits is a NewSpace company, based in Toulouse, pushing the boundaries of in-orbit services with cutting-edge spacecraft driven by its own Rendez-Vous solution, an advanced Autonomous Vision-Based Navigation Solution. IO has two generations of missions

• "Orbit Guard" provides Inspection and Space Situational Awareness services in GEO.

• "Endurance" is a docking service capable of extending the life of GEO telecom satellites, by taking over AOCS takeover for 5 years.

About the Role

The RF Architect – Platform / Payload takes end-to-end responsibility for the space segment RF architecture, covering both the platform telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) links and the payload RF links. He or she ensures the consistency of the end-to-end RF chain, from the antenna to the ground segment, across Infinite Orbits programs, working in close interface with the system architecture and other sub-systems. He/she is responsible for RF performance in line with the needs specified by the mission as well as the satellite's own requirements.

Job Description

Platform RF — Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C)

• Define and evolve the platform TT&C RF architecture (command and telemetry channels, redundancies, safe modes)

• Prepare TT&C link budgets, omnidirectional antenna radiation patterns, and associated performance models

• Ensure the availability of the command link under all conditions (LEOP, safe mode, initial acquisition)

• Define ground station requirements for LEOP, nominal operations, and safe mode phases, and participate in supplier selection

Payload / Mission RF

• Define the payload RF architecture for mission links (data downlink) and inter-satellite/proximity links related to RPO operations

• Prepare link budgets, directional antenna patterns, and performance models associated with the payload

• Arbitrate trade-offs between onboard processing/storage capacity and ground or inter-satellite link capacity

Transverse — Platform & Payload

• Ensure compliance of all RF links (platform and payload) with ITU/FCC standards

• Lead the design of RF subsystems (transceivers, antennas, amplifiers, filters), common or dedicated to each segment

• Define and maintain RF interfaces at the platform/payload boundary (PF/PL bulkhead)

• Evaluate space-qualified RF components and manage supplier relationships (lead times, specifications, quality monitoring)

• Coordinate architecture choices with mechanical, thermal, avionics, flight software, and computer vision teams

• Participate in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR) and associated technical trade-offs

• Oversee integration, environmental testing, and functional RF validation during the AIT phase, for both platform and payload

• Develop RF test plans and troubleshoot anomalies

• Maintain technological watch on RF developments and propose architectural evolutions

Requirements

• Engineering degree (Master's level / Bac+5) in RF, telecommunications, or aerospace, or equivalent; PhD appreciated

• At least 5 years of professional experience in space RF architecture design, including both platform TT&C links and payload/mission RF links

• Experience on at least one satellite mission completed through to completion

• Proficiency in RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, STK)

• Experience with equipment and system-level RF testing during AIT campaigns

• Solid knowledge of antenna theory, microwave engineering, and RF principles

• Understanding of space environment effects on RF systems

• Knowledge of ECSS standards and space qualification processes

• Ability to lead cross-functional topics and interact with suppliers and partners

• Excellent technical communication skills, both spoken and written, in professional English.

• Nationality: French nationality is mandatory due to project requirements.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience in in-orbit servicing or rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO)

• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) and software-defined radio (SDR)

• Experience in a NewSpace environment or agile development

What we offer

• The opportunity to be part of an international team transforming the space industry.

• A creative and innovative work environment where ideas turn into reality.

• Competitive salary and benefits.