Advanced RF Systems Engineer

Honeywell Aerospace; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Honeywell Aerospace in Edinburgh, UK is seeking an Advanced Systems Engineer to design, implement, and manage RF/microwave space communications systems. You will work within cross‑functional teams on cutting‑edge projects that transform how space and aerospace platforms operate.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will define architectures, perform RF analyses, drive verification and validation, lead design reviews, and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• RF link-budget calculations for aerospace/space applications.
• Linearity, intermodulation, EVM, transmitter performance.
• Requirements capture, decomposition and verification/validation.
• Technical risk management and mitigation strategies.
• RF system integration, troubleshooting, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Define RF system and subsystem architectures for aerospace, space and defence applications.
• Translate requirements into verifiable RF subsystem requirements.
• Own products to drive technical decisions and milestones.
• Contribute to technical trade studies and recommendations.
• Collaborate with RF, hardware, firmware, mechanical and systems engineers to integrate components.
• Define RF verification and validation strategies, test requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Support lab integration, troubleshooting and RF performance testing.
• Analyze test results and investigate system-level RF performance issues.
• Lead technical reviews (requirements, design, test readiness, qualification).
• Assist Engineering Manager with resource planning, scheduling, and reporting.

Skills

RF systems engineering

Traceability

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic/Electrical RF/Microwave Engineering

Tools

Vector network analyzers (VNA)

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

Power meters

Oscilloscopes

Job description

As an Advanced Systems Engineer here at Honeywell Aerospace, you will play a critical role in the design, implementation, and management of complex systems and solutions that drive innovation, safety, and efficiency across various industries. You will work within cross-functional teams on cutting‑edge projects that transform the way businesses operate.

You will report directly to our Engineering Manager, and you’ll work out of our Edinburgh, UK location on an on‑site work schedule.

In this role, you will impact the development of advanced Software Defined Radio solutions for space communications systems, ensuring the design and architectural aspects of these complex systems meet Honeywell Aerospace's quality standards and industry best practices. Your leadership and technical expertise will be essential in delivering innovative, reliable, and high‑performance communication systems that support critical space missions.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop RF system and subsystem architectures for aerospace, space and defence applications
• Translate customer, platform and system‑level requirements into clear and verifiable RF subsystem requirements
• Own products to drive technical decisions during design phases and ensure technical progress is on track to meet the project milestones
• Contribute to technical trade studies and make evidence‑based architecture and design recommendations
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including RF, hardware, firmware, mechanical and systems engineers to integrate system components effectively and ensure final product meets the requirements
• Define RF verification and validation strategies, test requirements and acceptance criteria
• Support laboratory integration, troubleshooting and RF performance testing
• Analyse test results and investigate system‑level RF performance issues
• Support environmental and qualification testing including EMC/EMI, thermal, vibration and other relevant aerospace qualification activities
• Analyse test results and investigate system‑level RF performance issues
• Participate in and, where appropriate, lead technical reviews including requirements reviews, design reviews, test readiness reviews and qualification reviews
• Support the Engineering Manager in resource planning, project scheduling, and reporting to senior leadership
• Contribute to continuous improvement of RF engineering processes, methods and design practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics or a related engineering discipline.
• 4+ years of industrial experience in RF systems engineering
• Strong understanding of RF system analysis, including:
• RF link budget calculation
• Linearity, Intermodulation, EVM, transmitter performance
• Noise figure, SNR, BER, Receiver sensitivity
• RF interference and spurious performance
• Strong command of applicable industry standards such as MIL-STD, ECSS, etc.
• Practical experience in requirements capture, decomposition and traceability as well as verification and validation
• Technical risk management and definition of mitigation strategies
• Comprehensive knowledge in RF system integration, implementation, and troubleshooting
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both specialist and non‑specialist stakeholders
• Hands on experience with interpreting RF measurements and systematically troubleshooting complex RF problems
• Practical experience with RF laboratory equipment such as vector network analysers, spectrum analysers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, noise figure measurement equipment
• Experience producing high‑quality engineering documentation and technical reports.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability.

We Value

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience in active RF design engineering is highly desirable
• Experience in radar systems engineering is considered a plus
• Experience in leading complex communication system integration projects in aerospace or space domains
• Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies in space communications and software defined radio
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment
• Attention to detail and excellent problem‑solving capability
• Focus on delivery to meet the project milestones
• Passion for innovation and continuous learning

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission‑focused execution.

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Join a team recognized for leadership, innovation, and diversity.