Subsystem Engineer – Satellite Communications Systems

Location: This role would require relocation to Bremen (Germany) Salary: 60-80€k About the Company Our client is a leading European space and aerospace technology group developing advanced satellite systems, ground infrastructure, and mission-critical technologies for institutional, commercial, and defence customers. The company contributes to major European and international space programs across satellite platforms, communications systems, ground stations, Earth observation, exploration, and secure space infrastructure. Its engineering teams work on technically demanding missions where RF performance, system reliability, precise integration, and successful in-orbit operations are critical. The Role We are looking for a Subsystem Engineer – Satellite Communications Systems to join a specialist communications engineering team in Germany. In this role, you will take technical responsibility for key elements of the satellite communications subsystem, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) and Payload Data Downlink. You will contribute to the definition, design, development, and verification of communication architectures across the full project lifecycle — from early system design and supplier coordination through Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT), satellite testing, Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), and In-Orbit Testing (IOT). Working with internal engineering teams, customers, suppliers, and international partners, you will help ensure that complex satellite communication systems meet demanding technical and operational requirements. Your Responsibilities Take technical responsibility for satellite communication subsystems, including TT&C and Payload Data DownlinkDefine, design, and develop communication system architectures according to system, integration, verification, and testing requirementsPerform and coordinate technical analyses, including RF link budgets, performance assessments, and interface analysesDesign and review reflector antenna systems and complex satellite communication architecturesDesign, simulate, and support laboratory implementation of complex RF transmit and receive chainsPrepare and maintain system specifications, subsystem requirements, and technical documentationCoordinate technical activities with project teams, customers, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholdersProvide technical management and oversight of suppliers and subcontractors responsible for subsystem equipment and componentsCollaborate with external partners on component selection and new technology developmentsSupport Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities at subsystem and system levelParticipate in commissioning and testing activities at facilities and ground stations worldwideSupport satellite testing, LEOP activities, and In-Orbit TestingReview system designs related to satellite communicationsSupport system automation as well as electrical design and commissioning activities together with specialist engineering teamsContribute technical expertise to proposals, feasibility studies, and technology development activities Your Profile Completed degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Communications Engineering, RF Engineering, or a comparable technical disciplineInitial professional engineering experience is required, ideally within the space or aerospace sectorStrong understanding of satellite communications, telecommunications, or RF/high-frequency engineeringExperience with RF measurement equipment and high-frequency measurement techniquesAbility to understand and work with complex communication architectures and technical interfacesExperience with scripting or engineering tools such as MATLAB and/or Python is desirableExperience interpreting electrical circuit diagrams and schematics is an advantageStructured and analytical way of working combined with a practical, hands-on engineering mindsetAbility to independently manage priorities and responsibilities during periods of high workloadConfident and professional approach to technical discussions and conflict situationsProactive communication style and willingness to take ownership of technical topicsStrong team-working skills and interest in working within a multicultural engineering environmentFluent EnglishGerman language skills are an advantage but not mandatoryWillingness to travel internationally for commissioning activities, satellite testing, and ground-station testing What’s Offered Opportunity to work on advanced European and international satellite programs, including both commercial and security-related projectsTechnical ownership of critical satellite communication subsystemsExposure to the complete satellite lifecycle, from system architecture and RF design through integration, testing, launch, and early-orbit operationsHands-on work with antennas, RF communication chains, satellite test environments, and ground stationsCollaboration with experienced multidisciplinary and multicultural engineering teamsOpportunity to work directly with international customers, partners, suppliers, and subcontractorsInternational travel typically around 1–2 times per year, depending on project requirementsHybrid working model with up to approximately 40% home officeLong-term career opportunities within a highly technical European space environmentPlease note that due to the nature of certain projects, a security clearance/background screening may be required