Research Assistant in Satellite Communication Systems

Role: Research Assistant in Satellite Communication Systems

Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences  

Contract Type: Part Time (0.5FTE/ 17.5 hours per week), Fixed Term (4 Months)

Grade: Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636 pro rata

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University 

Purpose Of Role

A technologist position is available as part of an exciting EPSRC project aiming to establish an experimental satellite ground station facility. The post will be held within the Microwave and Antenna Engineering Group at Heriot-Watt University and will involve the development of wireless and satellite communication setups and demonstrators featuring entire RF front-ends as well as digital baseband. The selected candidate will work with other group as well as external industrial partners to plan, design, and implement a satellite ground terminal as well as run test campaigns using this facility.  

Job Description

We are seeking candidates with a record that will demonstrate their capability to effectively deliver the required research activities.  

You will have a practical knowledge and experience in the area of RF subsystems for satellite communications. You will be competent in microwave device and subsystem design, including RF PCB design and development. You will have a good understanding of the challenges emerging in the hardware implementation involve passive and active RF devices. You will also be prepared to work on interfacing optical, radio, digital and mechanical equipment to integrate fully functional satellite receivers. 

The project will involve integration of equipment and subsystems towards wireless and satellite communication systems. You will be expected to have a strong practical understanding of electronic systems. 

This opportunity therefore relates to high quality, self-motivated individuals with the ability to work and actively participate in developing advanced research in electromagnetics, microwave and antenna engineering and expanding the teaching knowledge base within the School’s Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering disciplines. 

For an informal discussion regarding this position, please contact Professor George Goussetis. Tel: 0131 451 3055, Email: G.Goussetis@hw.ac.uk  

For more information, please visit: https://microwaves.site.hw.ac.uk/  

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• To review, design, implement and test the microwave modules and integrate them for satellite ground station. 
• To undertake the development of RF subsystems. 
• To develop RF PCBs suitable for satellite systems. 
• To compile written reports and articles suitable for publication and contract fulfillment on the techniques, designs developed and results obtained. 
• Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings. 
• Carry out any other duties designated by line manager and which fall within the general ambit of the post. 

 Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post.  Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.   

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• HNC or equivalent in electronics. 
• Experience in the development of radio frequency subsystems such as Low Noise Blocks or Block Up-Converters 
• Experience in the development of RF Printed Circuit Boards 
• Good understanding of the challenges associated with RF and Microwave hardware implementation. 
• Practical experience of applying the specialist skills and techniques required for the role. 
• Effective communication, report preparation, time management to meet deadlines. 
• Flexibility to travel for meetings
• Must be prepared to work as part of a team. 
• Ability to contribute to method improvement where required. 

Desirable

• BEng/MEng in Electronics 
• Experience with satellite communication subsystems. 
• Experience of collaborative research or working in a team. 

How To Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.  

Applications must be submitted by midnight on  Friday 3rd October 2025.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.  

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.   

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.   

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/  

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.