Developing space electronics for a safer future:

Making a difference

When Angelica moved from Rome to Horten nearly two years ago, it wasn't just to work with the subject she loves. More important was the opportunity to work at a company with advanced technology and products that make a difference.

  • Text:Anita Nyheim/ KONGSBERG

    Photo:Magnus Bjørnnes/ KONGSBERG

Armed with a bachelor's degree in electronic technology, a master's degree in ICT, and a PhD in applied electronics, she was well-equipped for her job as an electronics engineer in the Space & Surveillance division of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

It's not just about circuits and signals. It's about working with something meaningful that makes a difference in the world, says Angelica.

Right now, she is working on Europe's satellite navigation system Galileo. The system provides improved positioning, navigation, and timing signals worldwide and is groundbreaking because for the first time the EU is investing in a joint strategic and socially important infrastructure.

Angelica is involved in the development of search and rescue transponders (SART) for the Galileo satellites, which help SAR operators respond to distress signals faster and more efficiently, while reducing their own risk exposure.

It's about receiving distress signals from ships in danger and forwarding them to agencies that can help. We are talking about amplifying very weak signals and transforming them to then send them on with high power to a base station. It's quite challenging, but incredibly rewarding. We are literally saving lives, she says.

It's not just about circuits and signals. It's about working with something meaningful that makes a difference in the world.

The RF design team that Angelica is part of consists of about 8 to 10 people. The team works interdisciplinary with colleagues from other departments such as mechanics, layout and technology, and supports various space projects. This collaborative environment requires a flexible approach to problem-solving and project management and provides a varied and exciting work environment.

The RF design team that Angelica is part of consists of about 8 to 10 people. The team works interdisciplinary with colleagues from other departments such as mechanics, layout and technology, and supports various space projects. This collaborative environment requires a flexible approach to problem-solving and project management and provides a varied and exciting work environment.

Angelica’s role involves handling EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and hardware reliability, focusing on radiation analysis and electrical discharges in vacuum. These analyses are critical across different projects to ensure they meet the stringent requirements of space products.

“Working as an electronics engineer is an exciting mix of design, testing, and analysis; every day is different, and I love that,” Angelica shares. She thrives on diving into the details and the opportunity to be creative and find new ways to solve problems.

“You have to be inspired, invent new solutions, and understand something that maybe has always been done the same way, and perhaps you can improve it. It's about bringing a new perspective to the table, challenging the status quo, and innovating for better solutions,” explains Angelica.

As someone fresh out of the University and straight into a job in a different country and with a different culture, the company's mentor program was especially welcome.

“My mentor helped me both to understand how things work here and made me feel at home. It was absolutely crucial for integration into both the company and the country, and not least the understanding of the job and the processes,” she says.

The transition from her home country of Italy and the big city of Rome to little Horten is big one, but it's exactly what she was looking for. And she has no fear of the Norwegian winter – on the contrary; she loves it. In addition, she maintains her passion for music, playing the piano and singing in a local choir, as well as practicing both taekwondo and kickboxing.

“Music inspires me, gives me a breather, and lifts my work. Martial arts have taught me discipline, concentration, and perseverance, skills I also bring into my job.

Related stories

Categories