Automated Test RF Engineer

UK Space Jobs; Rowstock; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UK Space Jobs is seeking an Automated Test RF Engineer to join a team delivering advanced RF communications systems. The role combines hands-on testing with system-level engineering across the integration and verification lifecycle, developing automated test solutions, analysing performance data and supporting major test campaigns.

You'll work with RF payloads, FPGA tech and high-speed electronics in a technically challenging environment, with sponsorship available and a hybrid on-site pattern

Qualifications

• Experience within RF communications, telecommunications, defence, aerospace, space or another high-technology engineering environment.
• Experience with automated test and verification environments (AIT).
• Strong understanding of RF communication systems and architectures.
• Hands-on experience using RF test equipment (VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators).

Responsibilities

• Develop automated test solutions and analyse performance data for complex systems.
• Perform integration, testing, verification and validation across the lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and support major test campaigns.
• Create technical documentation, test procedures and reports.

Skills

RF communications

Automated test

Python scripting

System integration

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Job description

Stevenage or Oxfordshire

With significant growth plans and a strong pipeline of future projects, this is an opportunity to join a business investing heavily in advanced space communications technology and engineering capability. Working at the forefront of RF communications and advanced electronics, you'll become part of a highly skilled team responsible for ensuring complex systems perform exactly as intended through rigorous integration, testing and verification activities.

As an Automated Test RF Engineer, you'll play a key role in the development and validation of sophisticated communications systems. The position combines hands‑on testing with system-level engineering, giving you the opportunity to work across the full integration and verification lifecycle. From developing automated test solutions and analysing performance data to troubleshooting technical issues and supporting major test campaigns, you'll be involved in work that has a direct impact on the success of highly advanced programmes.

You'll work alongside specialists in RF engineering, high-speed electronics and communications technology, using advanced test equipment and automated tools to assess system performance and reliability. The role offers plenty of technical variety and would suit someone who enjoys understanding how complete systems operate, rather than focusing solely on individual components.

Although this is a senior-level position, the focus remains firmly on technical contribution rather than people management. You'll act as a subject matter expert within the team, helping to guide less experienced engineers while remaining hands‑on with testing, verification and problem-solving activities.

The business is experiencing substantial growth and has ambitious plans for the future, creating excellent opportunities for engineers looking to develop their careers within a technically challenging environment. Whether your background comes from space, defence, telecommunications or another high-technology sector, you'll find yourself working on projects that push engineering boundaries and deliver genuine technical challenges.

The role can be based from either the Stevenage or Oxfordshire site, with a hybrid working pattern of four days per week on‑site.

Key Skills & Experience

• Experience within RF communications, telecommunications, defence, aerospace, space or another high-technology engineering environment
• Experience with automated test and verification environments (AIT)
• Strong understanding of RF communication systems and communications architectures
• Hands‑on experience using RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analysers, signal generators and related test equipment
• Experience conducting system integration, testing, verification and validation activities
• Python scripting for test automation and data analysis
• Experience working within Linux and Windows environments
• Strong fault‑finding, troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Experience creating technical documentation, test procedures and reports
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Experience working with RF payloads, FPGA technology, high-speed digital electronics or advanced communications systems would be advantageous

Please note: sponsorship is available for this position, subject to eligibility requirements