RF Systems Engineer / EMC Specialist

Mission

The EPFL Space Center is dedicated to promoting excellence in space research, education and innovation. Our young and dynamic team combines deep technical expertise in system engineering, mission design, multidisciplinary project management, astrophysics and space situational awareness.

The Space Center leads the work on emission mitigation in HALO (Harmonizing Astronomy and Low-orbit Operations), an ESA-funded project carried out with industrial and academic partners. HALO aims to protect radio astronomy and preserve dark and quiet skies while allowing a sustainable future in space. It develops methods to predict the electromagnetic impact of unintended satellite emissions on astronomical observatories, and studies concepts to reduce unwanted emissions from on-board electronics and RF transmissions.

We are looking for an RF systems engineer / EMC specialist to prepare, carry out and validate the project's proof-of-concept experiments on RF emission mitigation.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Identify the main contributors to RF payload interference and define a proof of concept for their mitigation, using existing hardware or designing dedicated breadboards
• Write the investigation and validation test plan, including test setup, procedures and performance criteria
• Prepare and run conducted EMC measurements on power and control lines to DC/DC converters and data processing units, with and without dedicated filtering
• Investigate unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) from spacecraft electronics via structure, harnesses and unintended antennas
• Carry out tests at partner facilities and in the EPFL EMC Laboratory, and analyse the results against the defined performance criteria
• Compare measurements with predictions from the project's computational models and simulations
• Derive recommendations for measurement and validation techniques for serially produced satellites and constellations
• Write technical notes and test reports, and present results at project reviews with ESA
• Coordinate day to day with industrial and academic partners

The engineer will also have the opportunity to support other Space Center activities, including proposal writing and student space projects.

Profile

• You have a Master of Science or a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, Aerospace or a related field
• You have hands-on experience in EMC testing, ideally conducted and radiated emission measurements (e.g. to ECSS-E-ST-20-07, MIL-STD-461 or CISPR)
• You are familiar with RF and microwave measurement equipment: spectrum and network analysers, EMI receivers, LISNs, current probes and antennas
• You have experience in RF/EMC design, such as filtering, shielding, grounding and harness design
• You have experience with electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g. CST, HFSS, FEKO or equivalent)
• You can write in Python or Matlab for data acquisition and analysis
• Experience with space hardware, satellite subsystems or ESA projects is a strong asset
• Interest in radio astronomy or dark and quiet skies is an asset
• You have a good knowledge of English; French and/or German is an asset

The engineer will work with industry partners, EPFL laboratories, ESA and students. They should be curious about space activities, take initiative, work autonomously and enjoy hands-on laboratory work.

We offer

• A young, dynamic, interdisciplinary and international working environment
• A vibrant, internationally visible and rising academic institution in space research, education and innovation
• A privileged contact with state-of-the-art technological developments
• Access to many continuing education courses
• Salary: based on the official Swiss Confederation grids
• Direct involvement in an ESA project at the interface of satellite engineering and astronomy
• Access to EMC and RF laboratory facilities at EPFL and partner sites

At EPFL, we believe that people achieve great results when they feel supported, respected and enabled to succeed. By joining our community, you will help shape the future of society through education, research and innovation.

We offer an inspiring, international and collaborative environment where your work has real impact and your ideas are valued. Combined with flexible ways of working and attractive employment conditions, we aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute, grow and make a difference.

Beyond work, our campuses host a vibrant community and unique environment, enriched by initiatives promoting equality, inclusion, diversity, well-being and sustainability as well as an engaging program of cultural, sports and community activities throughout the year.

Read about our employment conditions and employee benefits

Informations

Contract Start Date : 01/03/2027

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year

Reference: 2552