Our client are seeking an RF Test Validation Engineer with a specialisation in RF / Electronics / Aerospace for a contract based in Portsmouth. The RF Test Validation Engineer will be responsible for the systems level preparation and execution of all test activities involving telecom payload up to the delivery to the Satellite Integration Facility. The RF Test Validation Engineer is to manage the Payload testing and performance verification in accordance with the customer technical and schedule requirements using the most cost-effective methods. This role is critical to the success of each Payload Project as it is key to the Validation of Payload performance in front of our customers. The tasks will include planning and review of all payload test phases, provision of guidance and clarification to UK and Satellite Integration Facility AIT staff including ‘hands on' support in the clean room, support to Non-Conformance Reviews/ disposition of anomalous results, liaison with customer representatives, preparation and attendance at test reviews and support to the preparation of test reports. Responsibilities Responsible for the analysis of customer requirements & definition of appropriate verification methods (Test, Analysis, Review of Design, Inspection) Responsible for definition of the Communications Module Test Strategy in line with requirements through Customer & Project liaison & negotiation. Responsible for managing repeater performance validation via test – equipment and repeater level. Definition of standard validation approach for new payload architectures. Identifying and implementing process improvements. Interface between customer representatives, payload project team and AIT-PTH o Provision of data to other AIT discipline (Payload Configurations, Test Matrices, Test Requirements) o Payload Validation team representative to AIT-PTH CM Test preparation meetings. Prepare input to & attend payload project team reviews: o PDR, CDR, TRRs, TRBs, NRBs, etc Early Project Phase Negotiation of contractual Test Requirements during bid phase, identifying deltas with respect to standard cost models, and costing the prospect. Technical reviews of the Satellite Sizing Tool (SST) Interface Block Diagram during its lifetime, prior to its release to Mechanical Design Office (MDO). Flow customer requirements down to equipment level specifications and review supplier documentation and proposals. Prepare and maintain the Payload Validation Plan and DVM. Negotiation with customer on content of test phases. Provide support to spacecraft level payload validation issues. Test Definition & Preparation Co-engineering activities with AIT and RF Systems in preparation for Comms Module AIT. Interfacing with RF Systems team and AIT to prepare test requirements. Preparation of tools. o Customisation of Results Analysis Tool (RAT) and RAT Tools. o Ensure all predicts and test specification masks are in place in time for TRRs. Preparation of Comms Module level Test Requirements, Matrix, Configurations. o Use of SST for producing payload configurations Support AIT for the Validation of Test Systems. Validation Phase Ensure correct setup of test system prior to test including review of Golden TCNs Support results review and sell-off to customer o Retest, where necessary Identification of anomalies & first analysis Ensure all Telemetry and Telecommands have been validated prior to CM delivery Responsible for investigations, DEs Support TRR, TRB, NRBs Support to Payload testing at Satellite level, including Thermal Vacuum, Autocompatibility Tests & System Functional Tests. ? In Orbit Test (IOT) Support – occasional support Test & payload expertise Test coordination, review & approval on-site Skill Set Essential Knowledge of Communications system design and analysis. Knowledge of Validation and Verification processes. Knowledge of RF Test techniques. Teamwork with good communication skills Desirable Knowledge of Telecom Payloads Payload system design and analysis Leadership attributes Knowledge of Microsoft Visual Basic (Excel Macros) Knowledge of RF Test Systems and RF instruments. (Network analysers, Spectrum Analysers, AWG; Power Meters; RF Amplifiers, Oscilloscopes; etc) Analysis skills and methodical approach to problem resolution and investigations Understanding of the functionality of communication satellites and practical knowledge of complex test campaigns. Availability to work abroad as well as shift, ‘on-call' and weekend working as require