Industrial Placement Microwave Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company is seeking an Industrial Placement Microwave Engineer Student to gain hands-on experience in designing and testing microwave and RF components. The ideal candidate is currently studying a relevant engineering degree and possesses a basic understanding of microwave principles. This role offers a salary of £25,000 and the opportunity to work on real-world projects within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Free mental health support

Flexible benefits worth up to £500 annually

Qualifications

• Currently studying for a relevant degree in engineering or related fields.
• Basic understanding of microwave/RF principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, and integrate microwave and RF components for systems.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate components into larger systems.
• Document design and testing processes.

Skills

Curiosity

Proactivity

Willingness to learn

Collaborative mindset

Education

Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or relevant field

Job description

Industrial Placement Microwave Engineer Student

Are you ready to make an impact and gain hands‑on experience working on real‑world projects from day one? At Leonardo, we’re looking for industrial placement students who want to be part of something bigger—shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

Our placements are designed to help you apply your studies in a practical setting, develop your technical skills, and gain valuable insight into how our business operates.

Our programme offers you the chance to spend a year with us, working on meaningful projects alongside subject matter experts, within multidisciplinary teams, and across the product lifecycle.

You’ll receive a salary of £25,000, with coaching and support from a dedicated team to help you achieve both your placement objectives and personal development goals.

Successful completion of an Industrial Placement with Leonardo may also lead to an offer on our Graduate Development Programme.

During your placement, we encourage you to spend at least three days each week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside expert engineers to design, test, and integrate microwave and RF components for electronic warfare systems.
• Design and develop microwave and RF components operating up to 40 GHz.
• Use simulation tools to create components such as TRMs, up/down converters, and integrated RF/digital boards.
• Test and validate designs in laboratory environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate components into larger systems.
• Document design and testing processes and contribute to technical reviews.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for students who are curious, proactive, and eager to learn. You’ll need:

• Currently studying for a degree in a relevant subject such as Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Communications, Space, Robotics Engineering, Computer Communication and Networks, or Cyber Security.
• A basic understanding of microwave/RF principles (prior experience not required).
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to grow in a dynamic engineering environment.

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

• 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).
• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

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

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, communities 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: Fixed term
Hybrid Working: Hybrid