Graduate RF Engineer (GDP - September 2026 Start)

Pratt & Whitney; Harlow; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Harlow is offering a Graduate RF Engineer position as part of a 2-year Development Programme. The role focuses on RF hardware design and testing, requiring a minimum 2:2 degree in Electronics or Communications. Successful candidates will benefit from structured training, biannual pay reviews, and opportunities for leadership and professional qualifications. Travel may be required. Applications are invited with a cover letter and CV.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus public holidays

Contributory Pension Scheme

Flexible Benefits package

Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Desire to pursue a career as an RF Engineer.
• Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in Electrical & Electronic, Communications Engineering.
• Flexibility on location and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop new product requirements.
• Design RF hardware and implement RF test solutions.
• Collaborate with product hardware team and other engineering disciplines.

Skills

Passion for RF Engineering

Understanding of RF and analogue micro circuitry

Familiarity with Microwave simulators

Excellent STEM skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in Electrical & Electronic or Communications Engineering

Tools

Cadence

PCB layout tools

Job description

Date Posted: 2025-12-17

Country: United Kingdom

Location: GBR13: Home - Harlow, Essex, Kao One, Kao Park, Harlow, CM17 9NA

Position Role Type: Unspecified

Graduate Development Programme (GDP) – Join Raytheon UK

Role: Graduate RF Engineer

Location: Harlow

Travel: Occasional travel to UK facilities and overseas as required for the role and Early Careers events

Starting Salary: £34,000 plus company benefits

Type: Permanent – 2-year Graduate Development Programme (GDP), with biannual pay reviews

Start Date: Monday 7 September 2026

Hours: Full-Time

About the Role

Learning to:

• Develop new product requirements
• RF hardware design and development – From the initial concept stage, developing these concepts through to final production and certification.
• Design and implement RF test solutions.
• Working within the product hardware team and working with all other Engineering disciplines throughout the design cycle, in a collaborative working and shared environment.
• Producing design documentation and reports for project artefacts and deliverables.
• Working with Customers and the Product Design Authority to develop and shape the technical requirements design and then manage these requirements through, to meet the requirements set during product development.
• Interface with suppliers and industry experts.
• Solving complex technical problems on new and existing GPS/GNSS Anti-Jam Products.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• A passion and a desire to pursue a career as a RF Engineer.
• A basic understanding / some experience in RF and analogue micro circuitry.
• A familiarity with Microwave simulators (Cadence preferred), PCB layout tools.

• Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in Electrical & Electronic, Communications Engineering (already achieved or to be completed by 7 September 2026)
• The successful candidate will be required to complete and obtain the SC Security Clearance application. Please visit the government website for further information: National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK

• Flexibility on location and ability to travel to our UK facilities and overseas.
• Excellent STEM skills demonstrated through academic achievement.
• A passion for succeeding in a fast‑paced, technology industry – We explain our Org in the “about us” section.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships.
• A full CV, including your university and pre‑university grades (GCSE/National 5/Highers/Advanced Highers/A Levels/College Course, etc.), and a cover letter explaining why you are applying for this role at Raytheon UK

About the Graduate Development Programme (GDP)

At Raytheon UK, we are excited to work with and support talented individuals during their careers through our Graduate Development Programme (GDP). This structured 2‑year programme blends on‑the‑job experience with comprehensive training, ensuring that graduates are supported in their transition from university to a thriving professional career.

Our GDP is not just about skills development — it is about building connections, leadership capabilities, and career growth. Throughout the programme, you will have access to the following:

• Leadership Development: Enhance your leadership skills through coaching, mentoring, and career development support.
• Business Skills: Gain hands‑on experience in project management, supply chain, strategy, and more, working on real‑world business challenges.
• Join our award‑winning STEM team at UK wide events from Airshows to careers talks.
• Community Impact: Join the ‘Million Makers’ challenge to support the King’s Trust (formerly the Prince’s Trust) in fundraising for social impact projects and grow your business acumen, team working and networking skills.
• Microsoft Training: Improving skills in Excel and PowerPoint
• Opportunities to complete professional qualifications relevant to the role and career development (e.g. MIET, Charterships for Engineers)
• Pay Reviews: Biannual pay reviews in your first two years to ensure your career growth is matched with competitive compensation
• Grow your network through attending a range of exciting Early Careers & STEM events.

What Our Graduates Say

“The first few months on the Raytheon UK Graduate Scheme have been a solid foundation for understanding the company and the teams I’ll be working with. I’ve appreciated the supportive environment so far and enjoyed the training modules which focus on developing broader professional skills. I look forward to building my experience further in electronics engineering and contributing to meaningful projects”. Manas, Graduate Digital Engineer, APNT

“I have been an Electronic Engineering Graduate in APNT for just over a year and have had the opportunity to get involved in practical work such as testing new designs, in writing documentation such as test plans and reports, as well as been on multiple different training courses. All of this has allowed me to have a wide range of experiences and continuously develop the skills and knowledge needed to be an engineer”. Zara, Graduate Digital Engineer, APNT

Application Process

To apply, visit our careers website: www.raytheon.co.uk/careers via the Workday application link and submit a full CV along with a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and why you have applied to Raytheon UK. In your cover letter, we are looking for candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of the role, our company values, and why you would be a great fit for the team. It is mandatory to include a cover letter for this role, so please ensure you submit one. If you fail to submit a cover letter, unfortunately, we will not be able to progress your application. To find out more about Raytheon UK visit our website: www.raytheon.co.uk

What to include in your cover letter

• Why you want to join Raytheon UK and pursue this specific role.
• How your skills and experiences align with the position
• Any personal or professional interests, experiences, or achievements that make you stand out.

Next Steps for Applicants

We look forward to keeping you updated on your application through updates on Workday and email. Candidates selected for the next stage will be required to complete the initial screening stage to assess suitability for the role. Successful applicants will receive an invitation to one of our assessment centres where you will complete a range of individual and group tasks on the day, it’s a great opportunity to meet the team, our current graduates and business leaders to showcase your skills and potential for an exciting career with Raytheon UK.

About Raytheon UK

Raytheon UK is a leading technology and innovation company, working across a range of industries including aerospace, defence, cyber, space, and training. With facilities across the UK in Broughton, Waddington, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester, Manchester, and Livingston, we employ 2,000 people and support an additional 8,000 jobs across the country.

We are proud to support the UK Ministry of Defence and are invested in developing cutting‑edge technology to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our work spans a wide range of sectors, including weapons and sensors, cyber security, and space. Raytheon UK is part of RTX, a global leader in aerospace and defence solutions. For further information please visit our website: www.raytheon.co.uk

Standard Benefits

• 25 days holiday, plus statutory public holidays
• Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution)
• Life Assurance (up to 6x salary)
• Flexible Benefits package.
• Enhanced sick pay and family‑friendly policies (including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave)
• 37‑hour working week, with early finish on Fridays (hours may vary depending on role and site)
• Flexible working options available, where possible
• On‑site canteen and free snacks & drinks at select locations.

Equal Opportunities

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support and Adjustments

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 3 (Leader) employer, committed to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for everyone.

As part of this commitment, we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability or long‑term health condition who meet the essential criteria for the role. Please let us know on your application if you would like to apply under this scheme.

Should you require any adjustments or additional support at any stage of your application, please contact us — the team are here to help you perform at your best.

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