Lead RF Engineer

Leonardo; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time to Recharge

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Bonus scheme

Online learning

Referral program

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Leonardo in the UK is seeking a Lead RF Engineer to lead the RF discipline for the Airborne AESA Radar sector, guiding development of cutting‑edge surveillance radar technologies.

You will head the RF design team across IPTs, shaping strategy and driving test, integration and delivery, with significant time in the lab and on-site in Edinburgh.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in RF circuit design and analysis with microwave know-how.
• Strong RF theory grounding and circuit design proficiency.
• Experience with RF test equipment (VNA, generators, spectrum analyzers).

Responsibilities

• Lead RF design team and manage architectures/interfaces.
• Develop test plans and verification for RF products.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to project planning.
• Collaborate across IPTs and support customer delivery.

Skills

RF circuit design

Microwave techniques

RF theory

VNA & test equipment

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree

Tools

Keysight System Vue

Keysight Momentum

CST

Matlab

Siemens Dx Designer/Xpedition

Job description

Your Impact

We have an opportunity for a talented RF Engineer to lead the RF discipline for the Airborne AESA Radar (AAR) sector, driving the development of advanced, cutting‑edge surveillance radar technologies. This is a highly dynamic and forward‑thinking environment where innovation and a desire to do things differently are actively encouraged. It is an excellent opportunity to broaden your technical and leadership experience.

Job Description

Leading the RF design team, you will provide technicl leadership across a broad portfolio of radar programmes, shaping the RF strategy and influencing key technology decisions. Leading a team of RF engineers, you will oversee the current development of a state‑of‑the‑art digital receiver for the Osprey 55 system, while also contributing to the wider AAR product portfolio, including Osprey 20, Osprey, Seaspray and Raven.

This is a varied and influential role that covers multiple Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) and is an opportunity to make a significant impact across the sector. You will work across the full product lifecycle, from concepts and technology development through to system integration, verification and customer delivery. A key aspect of the role will be the development and application of advanced RF design, modelling and measurement techniques, ensuring our products remain at the forefront of radar technology.

This role permits custom working, however on‑site working will be required on a regular basis, and you will spend a significant part of your time in the lab.

What You’ll Do As a Lead RF Engineer

• Hardware requirements capture and management;
• Concept development for complex functions and systems;
• Definition and management of architectures and interfaces
• Technical management of the RF design team, including power and digital subsystems;
• Production of material for design reviews;
• Development of test planning, integration and design verification;
• Reviewing outputs from team members and from other disciplines;
• Mentoring and supervision of more junior team members;
• Working with PELs to develop and maintain the project plan.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree qualified in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (preferable) or related science (e.g. Physics).
• Proven experience (5+ years) in RF circuit design and analysis and a strong understanding of microwave techniques and electromagnetic theory
• A solid grounding in RF theory and proficiency in RF circuit design
• Expertise with RF test equipment such as VNA, signal generators and spectrum analysers
• A passion for new technology
• A desire to improve how we deliver to our customers

You will have experience in several of the following areas:

• Synthesisers
• Downconverters and receivers
• High speed data converters (ADCs and DACs at GHz clock frequencies)
• Non-linear component modelling and measurement
• Transmit/receive modules
• RF system modelling (e.g. with Keysight System Vue)
• EM design in Keysight Momentum and/or CST
• Matlab
• Siemens Dx Designer/Xpedition

Personal attributes and values are just as important to us as technical ability so we are looking for engineers with a willingness to learn, progress and develop through our dedicated technical career path. If you are passionate in what you do and can deliver a pragmatic approach to problem‑solving we would like to hear from you.

Security Clearance

Please Note That To Apply For This Opportunity You Must Be Eligible For UK Security Clearance. Normally This Is To The Level Of Security Check (typically Known As “SC”) For Our Business Which Includes Having a Minimum Of 5 Years Permanent Residency In The UK. For More Information And Guidance Please Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

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 our website.

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.

Primary Location

GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type

Employee-Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid