Lead RF Engineer

Leonardo; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Bonus scheme

Online learning

Job summary

Leonardo is seeking a Lead RF Engineer to head the RF discipline for the Airborne AESA Radar sector. You will steer complex radar programmes, guide the RF design across multiple IPTs and mature advanced RF techniques in a fast‑paced, innovative environment.

You will manage a team, develop a state‑of‑the‑art digital receiver for Osprey 55, and influence technology decisions across the Osprey, Seaspray and Raven families while spending significant lab time on-site.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (preferred) or related science (e.g. Physics)
• 5+ years of RF circuit design and analysis experience
• Strong RF theory knowledge and RF circuit design proficiency
• Experience with RF test equipment (VNA, signal generators, spectrum analysers)
• Interest in new technology and delivering for customers

Responsibilities

• Lead the RF design team and provide technical leadership across radar programmes
• Oversee development of the digital receiver for Osprey 55 and contribute to Osprey 20, Osprey, Seaspray and Raven
• Develop RF design, modelling and measurement methodologies for product qualification
• Produce design reviews and test plans; manage interfaces and architectures
• Mentor junior engineers and drive project plans with IPTs

Skills

RF circuit design

RF theory

problem-solving

Mentoring

Technical leadership

Education

Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree

Tools

VNA

Signal generators

Spectrum analysers

Matlab

Siemens Dx Designer/Xpedition

Keysight System Vue

Keysight Momentum

CST

Job description

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.

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

• 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 h