Microwave & RF Laboratory Technician

For more than half a century, Serco has walked alongside the pioneers of space. Serco has supported over 50 ESA missions where our teams have helped launch satellites, guide spacecraft across the void and turn data into discoveries that reshape our world. With thousands of specialists contributing across the entire space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to operations and surveillance, we’ve become a trusted force in national And European space strategies. And now, the next chapter could include you.

We are seeking a full-time Microwave & RF Laboratory Technician to support the Microwave Laboratory, the Antenna Laboratory and Payload Laboratory. These labs are very different but have RF and microwave measurements in common. This role is strongly hands-on and operational, facilitating engineers and customers. In other words: keep the labs ready to work in, support test preparation and support test execution.

Responsibilities:

• Manage calibration of RF and microwave hardware with external contractor (track validity, coordinate shipment, register).
• Coordinate with external/internal contractor the maintenance services for thermal installations (e.g. TVAC's), electromechanical installations, positioner systems and safety and working aids.
• Support compliance of cleanroom and chemical storage.
• Maintain order and safety in the labs, keep lab consumables available.
• Keep systems for inventory and asset control up to date, support audits and inspections.
• Keep track of the condition of (electrical) instruments and organise repairs, disposal, procurement.
• Cable assembly and harness preparation (routing, crimping, integration).
• Soldering and rework of electronic components and assemblies.
• Basic knowledge on RF components (e.g. LNA, filter, PA, mixer, coupler) with a variety of equipment (e.g. vector network analysers, power meters, spectrum analysers, oscilloscopes).
• Support users of the facilities, instruct on tidiness, safe operation, good practices, assist in setting up the facility.
• Coordination of electrical; inspections with external contractor.

Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field. With 3+ years of experience in a similar environment.
• Knowledge and experience in safe operation, maintenance and inspection of low-voltage installations and equipment (Certification in NEN 3140).
• Knowledge in the basic principles and operation of RF measurement equipment, such as VNA, power meter, spectrum analyser, oscilloscope..
• Good knowledge in electronics and electrical systems.
• Knowledge and experience on the working principles and operation of thermal systems (thermistors and PT-100 probes) and TVAC (at user level).
• Experience in building harnesses, and other soldering work on electronic components.
• Experience in preparing and handling EGSE including electronics. Design of PCBs, electrical boxes, etc ..
• Experience in coordinating with external service providers and contractors.
• Organizational and inventory-management skills.
• Knowledge in infrastructure projects (e.g. electrical and other supplies in buildings used for laboratory purposes)
  
  

Experience that is nice to have:

• ISO accreditation experience and ISO auditing experience.
• Experience with ESTEC site service.
• Knowledge on ECSS-Q-ST-70-61 (wires, terminals, crimping, etc ..)
• Knowledge on UPS systems
• Experience on RF system testing activities: from initial feasibility assessment to assembly/integration, testing, reporting.
• +5 years’ experience in similar lab environment
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Highly structured, methodical, and safety-oriented.
• Positive attitude and constructive mind
• Proactive and comfortable enforcing laboratory discipline.
• Service-minded and reliable.
• Able to work independently.
• Not afraid to, from time to time, make dirty hands or do physical work.
• Flexible and willing to support multiple laboratories with different managers
  
  

What we Offer: More than just a job
At Serco, we believe that a career should come with more than just a paycheck, it should provide support, security, and a sense of balance in your life. Your salary will be paid promptly on Fridays before the 28th of each month, giving you peace of mind about your finances.

We support your daily life and commute in practical ways. If you travel to work, you can claim a travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometre for up to 150 km, or you can have your public transport fully reimbursed. For those working from home, there’s a small daily allowance of €2 to cover extra costs, and new employees can be reimbursed up to €500 for a desk or chair to make their home workspace comfortable.

When your work takes you on missions or travel, all business-related expenses are fully covered, and for peace of mind during tax season, our appointed advisor will assist you in completing your income tax forms. If you enjoy cycling, our bicycle scheme allows you to benefit from a tax-efficient allowance of up to €749, one year of full insurance with an additional €89 per year for accessories.

Serco also cares about your long-term security. All employees are covered under a collective life insurance scheme, and our health insurance partnership with Zilverenkruis Achmea offers discounts of 5% on basic coverage and up to 10% on additional plans. Our company pension scheme, managed via Nationale Nederlanden, follows the Dutch State Pension framework, ensuring you can plan confidently for the future.

In addition, in emergency situations, you may request an advance salary payment of up to one month’s net salary at the discretion of your line manager. To support your wellbeing and daily work, we offer up to €250 reimbursement for work glasses to reduce blue light strain and provide access to Benefits & Work, offering multiple discounts for online shopping. For lifelong learning, all employees receive a 35% discount on programs at Webster University.

At Serco, our benefits are designed to make your life easier, healthier, and more flexible, so you can focus on contributing to groundbreaking space missions while feeling supported every step of the way.

Relocation:
The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.
Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.