Principal Antenna Engineer

Copello; Buckingham; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Copello is seeking a Principal Antenna Design Engineer in Buckinghamshire (Hybrid) to lead complex RF solutions for aerospace applications, guiding projects from concept through testing and qualification.

You will design and optimise advanced antenna systems, use electromagnetic tools (CST HFSS FEKO) for simulations, manage full development lifecycle, support bids, and mentor colleagues while delivering high-performance, on-time results.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant hands-on experience in antenna design and RF engineering.
• Strong knowledge of antenna theory, RF principles, transmission lines, impedance matching and material selection.
• Expertise in electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio, HFSS or FEKO.
• Proven experience with RF test equipment, including vector network and spectrum analysers.
• Experience designing active and passive RF and microwave circuits.
• Practical experience using antenna test ranges and anechoic chambers.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to engage with customers and lead technical discussions.

Responsibilities

• Lead antenna innovation: Design, develop and optimise advanced antenna and RF solutions.
• Push technical boundaries: Use electromagnetic simulation tools to solve complex design challenges and maximise performance.
• Own the full development lifecycle: From requirements capture and concept development to PCB design, prototyping and verification.
• Turn designs into reality: Lead RF testing, antenna characterisation and measurements in anechoic chambers.
• Drive projects forward: Work closely with customers, project managers and internal teams to deliver technical excellence on time and to budget.
• Shape new opportunities: Support bids, develop innovative concepts and contribute to technical proposals for future business.
• Share your expertise: Provide technical guidance, support colleagues and champion continuous improvement.

Skills

Antenna design

RF engineering

EM simulation

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

CST Microwave Studio

HFSS

FEKO

Vector network analyser

Spectrum analyser

Job description

Principal Antenna Design Engineer- Buckinghamshire (Hybrid)- £85,000-Permanent

Ready to shape the future of antenna technology?

Are you an experienced antenna design engineer ready to take the lead on complex, cutting-edge RF solutions? This is your opportunity to make a real impact, developing advanced antenna systems for demanding aerospace applications.

Join a specialist engineering team designing innovative communication, navigation and identification antennas, taking projects from initial concept and simulation through to prototyping, testing and qualification.

What you'll be doing

• Lead antenna innovation: Design, develop and optimise advanced antenna and RF solutions.
• Push technical boundaries: Use electromagnetic simulation tools to solve complex design challenges and maximise performance.
• Own the full development lifecycle: From requirements capture and concept development to PCB design, prototyping and verification.
• Turn designs into reality: Lead RF testing, antenna characterisation and measurements in anechoic chambers.
• Drive projects forward: Work closely with customers, project managers and internal teams to deliver technical excellence on time and to budget.
• Shape new opportunities: Support bids, develop innovative concepts and contribute to technical proposals for future business.
• Share your expertise: Provide technical guidance, support colleagues and champion continuous improvement.

What we're looking for

• A degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant hands-on experience in antenna design and RF engineering.
• Strong knowledge of antenna theory, RF principles, transmission lines, impedance matching and material selection.
• Expertise in electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Microwave Studio, HFSS or FEKO.
• Proven experience with RF test equipment, including vector network and spectrum analysers.
• Experience designing active and passive RF and microwave circuits.
• Practical experience using antenna test ranges and anechoic chambers.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to engage with customers and lead technical discussions.

Design for manufacture and assembly experience is an advantage. Existing or eligible UK Security Check (SC) clearance is highly desirable.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with genuine engineering influence. You'll tackle challenging design problems, help shape next-generation antenna products and play a pivotal role in delivering innovative solutions for demanding aerospace environments.

You'll have the scope to influence technical direction, support business growth and help drive projects from initial idea through to proven performance.

Ready to make your mark?