RF Systems Engineer / EMC Specialist

About the role

The EPFL Space Center is looking for an RF systems engineer / EMC specialist to prepare, carry out and validate proof-of-concept experiments on RF emission mitigation within the HALO project (Harmonizing Astronomy and Low-orbit Operations), an ESA-funded project aimed at protecting radio astronomy and preserving dark and quiet skies. The post starts on 1 March 2027, is a one-year fixed-term contract at full activity rate, and involves work with industry partners, EPFL laboratories, ESA and students.

Key responsibilities

• Identify the main contributors to RF payload interference and define a proof of concept for their mitigation, using existing hardware or 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 results against the defined 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, and support other Space Center activities such as proposal writing and student space projects

Required profile

• Master of Science or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, Aerospace or a related field
• 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)
• Experience in RF/EMC design such as filtering, shielding, grounding and harness design
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g. CST, HFSS, FEKO or equivalent)
• Good knowledge of English; French and/or German is an asset
• Curiosity about space activities, initiative, autonomy and enjoyment of hands-on laboratory work

Required skills

• RF and microwave measurement equipment: spectrum and network analysers, EMI receivers, LISNs, current probes and antennas
• Python or Matlab for data acquisition and analysis
• Experience with space hardware, satellite subsystems or ESA projects is a strong asset

What we offer

• A young, dynamic, interdisciplinary and international working environment
• 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
• Access to many continuing education courses
• Salary based on the official Swiss Confederation grids