Senior Rf Architect H/F - Infinite Orbits

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. Our first, OG-1 was launched on 1 May 2023, the second is launching in 2025 and the third third launching in 2026.

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

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