RF Test and Validation Engineer

Job description

RF Test and Validation Engineer

Airbus Defence and Space Portsmouth

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017, it generated revenues of € 67 billion and employed a workforce of around 130,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as Europe's number one space enterprise and the world's second largest space business. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Our people work with passion and determination to make the world a more connected, safer and smarter place. Taking pride in our work, we draw on each other's expertise and experience to achieve excellence. Our diversity and teamwork culture propel us to accomplish the extraordinary - on the ground, in the sky and in space.

Description of the job

A vacancy for a RF Test and Validation Engineer has arisen within Airbus Defence & Space in Portsmouth.

The successful applicant will join our Engineering and Testing division.

The RF Test and Validation Engineer is responsible for the systems level preparation and execution of all test activities involving telecom payload up to the delivery to the Satellite Integration Facility. It also requires a strong link to the spacecraft level Payload Validation Engineer in order to support any preparation activities that may be required. The role is to apply a “systems” approach to the testing to make sure all Hardware, Software, requirements, design, interfaces, resources and planning between different disciplines on the project is consistent and managed.

The RF Test and Validation Engineer is to manage all aspects of 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.

Desired profile

Tasks & accountabilities

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

Main Responsibilities:

·  Overall

 Responsible for the analysis of customer requirements & definition of appropriate verification methods (Test, Analysis, Review of Design, Inspection)
 Responsible for Project requirement traceability through the generation of a Design, Verification Document (DVM).
 Responsible for ensuring that all activities identified in Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) are successfully conducted.
 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 Airbus 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 project team representative to AIT-PTH CM Test preparation meetings.
 Focal point for payload project team for all payload test/build related activities pre-CM delivery to the Satellite Integration Facility.
 Prepare payload project team input to reviews & attend reviews
o PDR, CDR, TRRs, TRBs, NRBs, etc

Reporting:
Functionally, the role reports to the Payload Test Management Team Leader.
On project and for day to day activities, the Payload Test Manager supports the Payload Manager within the Telecoms Business Unit as well as the AIT Project Manager. The Payload Test Manager will be required to report to these functions on the subjects of project test preparation, support and costs.

Detailed Responsibilities:

·  Early Project Phase

 Expertise and 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

 Management
 Team management (including resourcing)
 Schedule & Organisation
 Quality

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Required skills

We are looking for candidates with the following skills and experience:

Qualifications and/or Skills
An Engineering degree with a specialisation in RF / Electronics / Aerospace .

Previous Experience
Essential:

·  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 required