Antenna Engineer
Avionics - Villeneuve, CH
The position
- Crew
- Avionics
- Location
- Villeneuve, CH
- Type of contract
- Full-time
Your role
PAVE Space is building LYOBA, a heavy kick stage moving up to 4-tonne payloads from LEO to high-energy orbits in under 24 hours. We're also developing IBEX, a high mobility spacecraft.
Why now? We need a reliable link between the ground and the spacecraft throughout every phase of the mission, that puts real constraints on the antennas. You'll define the approach, simulate it, measure it, and integrate it, on a timeline measured in weeks.
You will own
Antenna architecture definition for the spacecraft
Procurement strategy: whether we design in-house or go COTS, and the rationale behind it
Supplier and manufacturer sourcing
Antenna placement optimisation via simulation and lab measurement on a non-trivial structure
Integration on the spacecraft and lab validation against telecom subsystem requirements
What we are looking for
Degree in RF/Antenna engineering or equivalent earned in practice
5+ years designing and optimising antennas on large structures
Strong working knowledge of electromagnetic simulation tools (CST, HFSS, or equivalent)
Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzer, power meter, VNA, etc.)
Familiarity with spacecraft integration constraints (thermal, vibration, radiation)
Clear and effective English communication (French is a plus)
Nice to have: space-industry antenna experience, EMI/EMC knowledge.
You will fit if
You enjoy the full process, from architecture trade-off to hands-on measurement in the lab on the integrated spacecraft.
You'd rather own the antenna subsystem end to end than consult on pieces of it.
You're comfortable making procurement calls (make vs. buy) and standing behind them.
You communicate clearly across disciplines because antenna placement touches structures, thermal, and telecom.
This is fully on-site in Villeneuve (VD). The work is early, some of the integration challenges on this geometry haven't been solved before, and you'll be the person solving them. What makes that worth it: your simulations and lab measurements directly determine whether the telecom link closes on real missions. Visible, consequential work on hardware that actually flies and surrounded by sharp peers building the most ambitious space programme in Switzerland.
Apply to contribute, or pass this to the antenna engineer you know who'd thrive here.