Space System Architect Signal Intelligence (SIGINT)

About Antwerp Space

Antwerp Space is a leading Belgian space engineering company and an industrial player well-recognized by the European Space Agency and the European Commission. Antwerp Space has an established presence in the European space market and in several cases is taking the lead in technically complex space projects supported by a consortium of partners from all over Europe.

The company employs highly skilled engineers and technicians from all over the world the majority of whom hold an engineering degree with strong expertise in the areas of digital signal processing hardware and software design as well as in project management and technical leadership.

OHB SE Group

Antwerp Space is part of the OHB SE group one of Europes success stories in the field of contemporary space. Today it can call itself the third largest space group in Europe.

The OHB SE group has been growing at a steady pace over the last three decades and its footprint in Europe has continuously expanded. Nowadays there are subsidiaries in Austria Germany Italy Sweden Luxembourg Greece the Czech Republic and Belgium. Despite its size OHB SE is still a family business run by the Fuchs family.

Who are we looking for

We are searching for an innovative and highly experienced Space SigInt System Architect to drive the technical vision and end-to-end design of our orbital intelligence-gathering systems. You will be the primary technical authority for our SIGINT satellite payloads responsible for translating mission parameters into viable high-performance space this role you will bridge the gap between RF engineering digital signal processing orbital mechanics and satellite bus integration. Youll be reporting to the System Engineering team lead project teams and collaborating with colleagues from the operational department.

As a Space System Engineer specializing in SigInt area your expected key responsibilities will be:

• System architecture and design: Define both the payloads and the end-to-end system architecture for spaceborne SigInt systems in LEO MEO and GEO environments ensuring optimal assessment and trade-offs (resolution and SW&P(C) to name a few) of subsystem concepts across feasibility and pre-development studies.
• Requirements engineering and management: Lead the elicitation and flow-down of high-level mission and user requirements into detailed technical subsystem specifications.
• Payload engineering: Lead the conceptualization and specification of spaceborne RF receiver chains wideband antennas and onboard digital signal processing (DSP) units.
• Geolocation and processing strategy: Architect the system-level approach to signal detection classification and high-precision geolocation using techniques such as Time of Arrival (TOA) and Frequency of Arrival (FOA) across multi-satellite constellations.
• Pre-development phase support & proposal preparation: Provide support for spaceborne SigInt projects from the pre-development phase up to spacecraft integration working closely with project leaders and business development. Moreover you will assist in the preparation of proposals and evaluate subcontractor proposals to ensure the feasibility and success of projects.
• Documentation: Generate and maintain documentation including analyses specifications engineering and technical budgets test procedures reports and design descriptions.
• Coordination and collaboration: Coordinate technical aspects with customers vendors subcontractors project teams space system engineering and other divisions. Moreover you will provide technical direction to engineering teams (Hardware Software Firmware AIT) throughout the entire product lifecycle from concept design to integration and testing.
• Design reviews and technical presentations: Lead internal and external technical reviews (SRR PDR CDR) with stakeholders management and customers.

Mandatory Requirements

• Eligible for an EU security clearance (EU citizen or eligible for citizenship and living in the EU for at least 10 years.
• Candidates currently living outside Belgium will only be considered if they are willing to relocate to Belgium before the start of their contract. Relocation is a prerequisite for employment.
• Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of Dutch and French is an asset.

Required technical competences and practical needs

• Masters degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering Physics Space Engineering Signal Processing or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in space or defense systems engineering with a focus specifically on SIGINT Electronic Warfare (EW) or RF payload architecture for space environments.
• Deep understanding of RF spectrum analysis and modern digital modulation schemes.
• Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) architectures and high-speed data converters (ADCs/DACs) suited for space.
• Working knowledge of European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) standards alongside an understanding of commercial/NewSpace practices.
• Professional experience in phase B/C/D in Navigation Radar or Communication projects is an asset.
• Experience with satellite payload integration and understanding of the orbital space environment.
• Knowledge of advanced antenna designs (e.g. phased arrays deployable reflectors) for space applications.
• Familiarity with implementing Machine Learning/AI algorithms for autonomous on-orbit signal/jamming detection and classification.
• Proficiency in mathematical modelling and simulation tools (e.g. MATLAB Python) for radar performance analysis.
• Proficiency in artificial intelligence and machine learning frameworks for RF SigInt (e.g. PyTorch/TensorFlow) is an added value.
• Experience with both (commercial) off-the-shelf SigInt systems and transitioning SigInt systems from R&D into high-volume manufacturing or operational deployment.
• Willingness to travel.

Expected soft skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams resolve complex engineering conflicts and make critical architectural decisions.
• Experience in dealing with customers and vendors is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills with a high degree of flexibility.
• Team player who can work effectively both independently and in large projects.

What we can offer you

• A multicultural environment. Youll be working in an international environment with colleagues from all over the world.
• A strong corporate culture. Our company is based on strong values: respect trust personal development and well-being.
• Professional development. Youll get the chance to learn to share your expertise to develop your skills and contribute to high-level international projects in a high-tech environment.
• Salary package. A very attractive salary package including numerous fringe benefits. The main job location is Antwerpen (Hoboken) - Belgium though short-term missions abroad are part of this challenging job environment.

Come and explore Antwerp Space

At Antwerp Space we treasure our human capital. From the moment you get on board until retirement we will be at your side to make sure you feel at home and you get the chance to travel all the way through Antwerp Space developing yourself and growing together.

As a company with a passion for innovation we want to create a dynamic open and enriching environment for people where people are passionate about their work and exchange ideas & expertise.

Moreover we understand the need for a healthy working environment and we focus on the employees well-being offering amongst others yoga ergonomic advice and many other initiatives. We also focus on a good work-life balance offering flexible working hours and additional holidays. Each year a number of events are organized to emphasize that it is important to have fun relax and create a good team spirit.

Eager to join us Get in touch!

Apply now by clicking the Apply button below and send us your motivation letter and CV. We will be get back to you soon.