Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Performance Engineer
Core
Define, model, and optimize end-to-end Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system performance from concept through mission operations, acting as a technical reference for the SAR processing chain and calibration/validation campaigns.
Role type
Senior IC SAR Performance Engineer
Builds
Earth Observation payloads and SAR systems for international space programs
Domain
Space industry + Radar/Microwave engineering
Required skills
SAR system design, radar performance metrics modeling, end-to-end signal processing chains, numerical simulation (Python/MATLAB), system architecture trade-offs, calibration/validation strategies, AIT/V&V integration, project milestone documentation
Preferred skills
ESA development lifecycles knowledge, space engineering standards (ECSS/MIL-STD/CCSDS), requirements engineering (IBM DOORS), passive microwave/radiometer knowledge, international space project experience
Technologies
Python, MATLAB, IBM DOORS
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain system-level SAR simulators covering signal, geometry, propagation, and noise; Generate and monitor instrument-level performance budgets including spatial resolution and radiometric accuracy; Perform trade-off analyses for orbit parameters, frequency bands, and antenna configurations; Drive SAR processing chain verification and Cal/Val strategies; Define and support Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) and Verification and Validation (V&V) activities; Deliver performance documentation and represent the team in formal reviews and customer exchanges
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC
