Graduate Antenna Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology firm in Luton is seeking motivated graduates for an 18-month Graduate Programme in antenna systems engineering. You will work in cutting-edge defence technology with responsibilities including designing antenna solutions and using advanced simulation tools. This role offers flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package, fostering career growth and wellbeing.

Benefits

Generous leave with flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Mental health support

Free online courses

Financial rewards for referrals

Flexible benefits spending

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 Bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant subject.
• Strong interest in RF systems, EM modelling, or antenna design.
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and model innovative antenna solutions.
• Use advanced EM simulation tools.
• Test and evaluate antenna performance.

Skills

Interest in electromagnetics

Interest in RF systems

Familiarity with EM simulation tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Job description

Job Description:

Your Impact

Are you ready to shape the future of defence technology?

Join Leonardo and help design cutting‑edge antenna systems that protect fast jets, UAVs, naval and land platforms.

As part of our 18‑month Graduate Programme, you’ll be fast‑tracked into a career as a professional engineer, contributing to real‑world solutions from day one.
This role is based in Luton with flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and occasional travel across the UK or abroad for technical reviews.

During the programme, you will:

Work alongside experienced engineers to develop high‑performance antenna systems for electronic warfare applications. Your work will span design, simulation, testing, and integration, using advanced tools and facilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and modelling innovative antenna solutions for a range of defence platforms
• Using advanced electromagnetic (EM) simulation tools to develop antennas operating up to 40GHz
• Testing and evaluating antenna performance in state‑of‑the‑art anechoic chambers and labs
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration into larger systems
• Documenting and presenting technical findings to internal and external stakeholders

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for motivated graduates with a passion for electromagnetics and antenna design. You’ll need:

• A minimum 2:2 Bachelor’s, Integrated Master’s, or higher degree (MSc/PhD) in a relevant subject such as:
• Electronic/Electrical Engineering
• Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics
• Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
• Communications, Space, or Robotics Engineering
• Computer Communication and Networks, Cyber Security
• A strong interest in RF systems, EM modelling, or antenna design
• Familiarity with EM simulation tools and lab‑based testing (training provided)
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (typically SC level, requiring 5 years UK residency)

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) will apply, this will include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid