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Senior AIT Payload Engineer

ICEYE

ICEYE

Espoo, Finland · Uusimaa, Finland
Posted on Jul 4, 2025

Role Highlights

🔹Title: Senior AIT Payload Engineer

🔹Location: Helsinki (On-site)

🔹Type of Contract: Permanent

Who are we?

ICEYE is the global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, revolutionizing Earth observation with real-time, all-weather, day-and-night imaging. As the owner and operator of the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, we provide critical insights that empower industries like maritime, disaster management, insurance, and finance to make informed decisions.

Headquartered in Finland, with a presence in five international locations, our diverse team of 600+ experts from nearly 60 countries shares a bold mission: to enhance life on Earth by delivering reliable, data-driven solutions. At ICEYE, we foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space technology to solve the world’s toughest challenges.

Why Join ICEYE?

At ICEYE, we’re not just launching satellites, we’re redefining what’s possible with SAR technology. Join a team of passionate innovators solving real-world challenges and making a tangible impact. We foster a dynamic and inclusive environment where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly matter. With continuous learning opportunities, cutting-edge projects, and collaboration with industry-leading experts, you'll have the chance to grow, innovate, and shape the future of Earth Observation.

Why you will Love this role?

ICEYE is looking for a Sr. AIT Payload Engineer to lead the integration and verification of our most mission-critical subsystem— the radar payload. You will ensure that the full radar chain, from signal generation to antennas, is manufacturable, testable, and scalable for reliable production and deployment. This role bridges engineering and production, ensuring high performance and repeatability across our satellite fleet.

You will represent the payload subsystem throughout the product lifecycle—from early design influence and test planning to production ramp-up and operational support. As the AIT focal point, you’ll lead technical troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement efforts. This hands-on, system-level role requires strong expertise in RF systems, signal integrity, and hardware integration.

What will you do in this role?

  • Act as the technical lead for the radar payload subsystem within the AIT Engineering team
  • Be the Sr. RF expert from the Production department
  • Ensure the payload is manufacturable, testable, and scalable for satellite production and space deployment
  • Be part of the core payload team on new designs from project kickoff all the way to delivery
  • Bridge the gap between design and production by working closely with subsystem engineers and integration teams
  • Participate in major design and readiness reviews (PDR, CDR, PRR) to ensure payload readiness for qualification and production
  • Define and support payload-level testing, including RF validation, firmware configuration, and functional checks
  • Lead the preparation of procedures, documentation, and test setups for smooth production ramp-up
  • Provide Tier 2 technical support during production and integration for payload-related issues
  • Drive root cause analysis and feed lessons learned back into design and processes for continuous improvement
  • Act as the system integrator and internal expert on radar payload performance and behavior within the full satellite
  • Ensure quality, repeatability, and performance across all satellite payloads in the fleet
  • Continuously close the loop with design teams to drive long-term improvements in scalability and reliability
  • Operate in a hands-on, system-aware role that requires deep expertise in:
    • RF systems and signal integrity
    • Firmware-controlled hardware
    • Complex hardware integration workflows

What will you need to be successful in this role?

  • Strong background in RF systems and high-frequency signal chains
  • 7+ years of RF experience or any relevant industry
  • Strong hands-on experience with RF test and measurement, payload integration, and system validation
  • Familiarity with firmware-controlled hardware (e.g. FPGAs, bootloaders, digital configuration flows)
  • Proven ability to translate complex designs into scalable, repeatable production processes
  • System-level mindset with understanding of how payload interacts with other spacecraft subsystems
  • Experience working in high-reliability environments (space, aerospace, or similar industries)
  • Comfortable participating in design reviews and pushing for design-for-manufacturing/testability improvements
  • Excellent troubleshooting skills and the ability to lead root cause analysis for hardware and system-level issues
  • Proactive attitude toward continuous improvement and pushing toward higher levels of manufacturing readiness (MRL9)
  • Clear communicator who can interface confidently across Engineering, AIT, and Production teams
  • Proactive, hands-on approach with a drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence

Process

Our Commitment To You

When you apply to a role at ICEYE, we commit to responding to your initial application within 5 working days, if not sooner. When you are contacted by the Talent Partner managing the role, they will be your key point of contact throughout the interview and assessment process.

We commit to ensuring that you are kept updated about the status of your application, and that any questions you have are answered as soon as possible.

Don't hesitate to apply, even if you don't tick all the boxes, your passion and potential are just as important to us!

What’s In It for You?

  • A job that matters in a dynamic Earth Observation environment with a scale-up approach
  • An independent role with a supportive and diverse work environment
  • Occupational healthcare, occupational and accident insurance
  • A yearly benefit budget to spend as you wish (i.e. on sport, transport, bike benefit, wellness, lunch, etc.)
  • Phone subscription with iPhone of choice
  • Relocation support (i.e. flight tickets, accommodation, relocation agency support)
  • Time for self-development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes
  • Inspiring and collaborating offices and silent workspaces enable you to focus
  • A wide variety of the best coffee, tea, snacks, and sweets to accompany your daily space mission
  • Competitive salary contingent on your experience level, and will be negotiated individually

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At ICEYE, diversity is more than just a value - it's our greatest strength. We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but celebrated. Diverse perspectives drive innovation and creativity, so we actively seek individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.

No matter your background, we encourage you to bring your authentic self to the team. Join us and be part of a workplace where differences are embraced and valued, because together, we’re stronger.

Apply now to begin your ICEYE journey and help us make the impossible possible.

Learn more about ICEYE and life at our company at iceye.com.

Ready to launch your career? Apply now and help us build the future of Space Tech! 🚀